NSW: Watchdog cracks down on 'cellulite busters'

AAP General News (Australia)
12-21-2001
NSW: Watchdog cracks down on 'cellulite busters'

SYDNEY, Dec 21 AAP - Companies promising quick fixes for dreaded cellulite have been
put on notice by the consumer watchdog.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has acted against at least
one company making claims it can reduce cellulite within two weeks.

Cellu-stop, manufactured by Australian company Pierre Fabre Pty Ltd, is marketed as
a "soothing concentrate" women put on their thighs to achieve a visible reduction in cellulite
within 14 days.

The ACCC was alerted to Cellu-stop while investigating other cellulite products, chairman
Professor Allan Fels said today.

"The ACCC is concerned about products that say they have an effect on cellulite, particularly
when the company marketing and promoting the product does not have reasonable grounds
for making the representations," Prof Fels said in a statement.

"These products are expensive and create unrealistic expectations for consumers.

"Representations about a characteristic of a product must be based on reasonable grounds."

The ACCC has received an undertaking from Pierre Fabre Pty Ltd that it will not represent
the effect the "active ingredient" of Cellu-stop - Elancyl - has on cellulite.

It will also give refunds to any consumer who complains about the product and its effects.

The company has also agreed to relabel Cellu-stop's packaging and container.

AAP kp/tnf/de m

KEYWORD: CELLULITE

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