In September 2002, the Competition Bureau commenced a formal inquiry under subsection 52(1) of the Competition Act with respect to a weight-loss product which was advertised in newspapers, magazines and on the internet. The investigation focussed on the weight-loss claims made to the public such as: “I lost 54 pounds without dieting or medication in less than six weeks! And in a year, I haven’t gained an ounce”.
Most of the evidence uncovered during the inquiry linking the representations to the individuals responsible for making them, came from a confidential informer who decided not to testify.
The investigation was discontinued on November 30, 2004 due to the insufficient grounds to continue the inquiry.
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