EPA Sues North Face Over 'Anti-Bacteria' Boots

Company could be fined $1M for misleading claims
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 24, 2009 6:40 AM CDT
EPA Sues North Face Over 'Anti-Bacteria' Boots
The North Face wrongly claimed its footbeds prevent bacteria, according to an EPA lawsuit.   (©twak)

North Face may be kicked with a fine of up to $1 million for claiming its shoes have the power to kill fungus and bacteria. The EPA filed a lawsuit against the outdoor clothing company's parent firm yesterday, alleging that the operation violated federal law by advertising that its specially treated footbeds prevent disease-causing germs.

"Unverified public health claims can lead people to believe they are protected from disease-causing organisms when, in fact, they may not be," said an EPA spokeswoman. Company officials said tags making the claims were removed from products lat year, AP reports.
(More EPA stories.)

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