- About the Attorney General
Pam Bondi, Attorney General of Florida
Attorney General Bill McCollum News Release
October 20, 2009
Media Contact: Jenn Meale
Phone: (850) 245-0150
en EspañolMedia Contact: Jenn Meale
Phone: (850) 245-0150
Print Version
Attorney General Obtains Over $47,000 for American Cancer Society
~ Funds come from settlement over sunscreen marketing practices ~
ORLANDO, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum today presented the American Cancer Society with a check for $47,500 obtained from a settlement with sunscreen manufacturers. The Attorney General’s office reached the settlement with Energizer Personal Care Banana Boat and Hawaiian Tropic Sun Products, resolving issues related to the marketing of the sunscreen products.
“Here in the Sunshine State, we have certain expectations that our sunscreen will protect us from harmful UV rays,” said Attorney General McCollum. “I am pleased to award these funds to the American Cancer Society to help them continue educating consumers about the dangers of the sun’s harmful rays and the importance of sun protection."
Last summer, the Attorney General’s Economic Crimes Division began investigating whether terms used to market sunscreen were inaccurate or misleading. The investigation focused on the terms “waterproof,” “sweat-proof,” “sunblock,” and “all day” when used to advertise the companies’ sunscreen products. Investigators were concerned that consumers may be misled about the products’ protective capabilities by the use of these terms.
“This settlement agreement will help the American Cancer Society to promote our skin cancer prevention guidelines,” said Charlie Rogers, a member of the American Cancer Society's Florida Division Board of Directors and Orlando Unit Operating Board. “Sunscreen is an important tool for protecting yourself against cancer. However, sunscreen does not provide total protection.”
Energizer Personal Care Banana Boat and Hawaiian Tropic Sun Products manufacture, distribute and sell sunscreen products all over the United States and abroad. The companies, which had already begun to change their advertising, labeling and marketing strategies, cooperated fully with the state’s investigation and agreed not to use the above claims in commercial advertising
for sunscreen products. Under the settlement, the companies will pay the state’s fees and costs as well as the charitable contribution to the American Cancer Society.
The Attorney General’s Office currently has open investigations into Neutrogena and Coppertone regarding similar allegations related to the marketing and advertising of their sunscreen products.
Stay Connected
Read Attorney General Bondi's Weekly Brief
Provide your email address below to receive the Attorney General's Weekly Briefing featuring the latest news and updates on top issues.