How Often Do Companies Lie on Labels? All the Time, Apparently

There's been a lot in the news recently about inaccurate labeling - whether it's herbal supplements that don't contain any herbs or baby formula that makes baseless health claims. These can be complex issues to understand - but we've broken the stories down for you and laid out the facts. On top of that, of course, you can find the latest settlements at the bottom of this newsletter. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on the latest news and settlements.

- Simon Clark, ClassAction.org Writer

Misleading Herbal Supplements Pulled from Shelves

Herbal supplements at four of the nation's leading retailers have been taken off shelves after the New York State Attorney General's office claimed the pills did not contain the herbs on their labels - and, in some cases, failed to show traces of any plant DNA. The office sent cease and desist letters to managers at Walgreens, Wal-Mart, Target, and GNC after an independent investigation raised serious question about several of the companies' store brand supplements. GNC's Herbal Plus Ginkgo Biloba, Target's Up & Up Echinacea, Walgreen's Finest Nutrition Ginseng, and Wal-Mart's Spring Valley St. John’s Wort were among the products cited by the investigation. In addition to lacking the advertised herbs, many of the supplements contained potentially harmful ingredients that weren't on the label, according to the report. Some ingredients were even described as "unrecognizable." Lawsuits have now been filed against the companies, and customers who bought these products may be able to take part.

A number of Jeld-Wen customers have reported problems with their windows, including leaking, drafts, mold growth and trapped moisture. It's not exactly ideal - especially if you're living through the cold spell currently gripping the Northeast. If you've had problems with these windows, attorneys working with ClassAction.org want to hear from you. They're currently investigating whether a class action lawsuit can be filed to help property owners obtain compensation for repair and replacement costs, as well as property damage.

Sadly, complaints about leaking and moldy windows are nothing new. Windsor, Anderson, Pella, Kolbe and Lincoln have all faced complaints from their customers and, in some cases, lawsuits. If you're having problems with your windows, check out our list of lawsuits to see if yours are under investigation.

Gerber Good Start Gentle Formula

In 2009, Gerber asked the FDA for permission to claim that its Good Start Gentle infant formula could help prevent eczema in babies. The FDA agreed - provided the company make it clear that there was very little scientific evidence behind the claim. So far, so good - but, according to a lawsuit filed by the FTC last year, Gerber failed to follow the FDA's instructions. Instead, the company claimed in its marketing materials that the product could help prevent allergies in general and never added wording indicating that its eczema claim lacked scientific backing. Parents may have been misled by the company's claims, and attorneys working with ClassAction.org are now investigating whether a class action lawsuit can be filed on behalf of customers who bought the product. Read more.

Class Action Settlements:
Can You File a Claim?

Our settlements page is always being updated. Have you checked to see if you're covered by any open settlements? You can also check out the latest settlements as they happen by following us on Twitter.

To view a complete list of settlements and to find out how you can file a claim, click here.