9923158 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA In the Matter of PHYSICIANS FORMULA COSMETICS, INC., a corporation. DOCKET NO. C-3909COMPLAINT The Federal Trade Commission, having reason to believe that Physicians Formula Cosmetics, Inc., a corporation ("respondent"), has violated the provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act, and it appearing to the Commission that this proceeding is in the public interest, alleges: 1. Respondent Physicians Formula Cosmetics, Inc. is a Delaware corporation with its principal office or place of business at 1055 W. Eighth Street, Azusa, California 91702. 2. Respondent has labeled, offered for sale, sold, and distributed products to the public, including cosmetics, cosmetics brushes, and skin-care products. 3. The acts and practices of respondent alleged in this complaint have been in or affecting commerce, as "commerce" is defined in Section 4 of the Federal Trade Commission Act. 4. Respondent has disseminated or has caused to be disseminated packaging and labeling for its cosmetics, cosmetics brushes, and skin-care products, including but not necessarily limited to the attached Exhibits A through G. The packaging and labeling contain the following statements:
5. Through the means described in Paragraph 4, respondent has represented, expressly or by implication, that certain of its cosmetics, cosmetics brushes, and skin-care products are made in the United States, i.e., that all, or virtually all, of the component parts of such products are made in the United States, and that all, or virtually all, of the labor in manufacturing such products is performed in the United States. 6. In truth and in fact, a significant portion of the components of certain of respondent's cosmetics, cosmetic brushes, and skin-care products is, or has been, of foreign origin. Therefore, the representations set forth in Paragraph 5 were, and are, false or misleading. 7. The acts and practices of respondent as alleged in this complaint constitute unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce in violation of Section 5(a) of the Federal Trade Commission Act. THEREFORE, the Federal Trade Commission this tenth day of December, 1999, has issued this complaint against respondent. By the Commission, Commissioner Leary not participating. Donald S. Clark SEAL: |