The proposed settlement of these charges would permanently bar WestPoint-Stevens from falsely or deceptively stamping, tagging, labeling, invoicing or otherwise identifying a textile product as to the name or amount of its constituent fibers, within the meaning of the Textile Act. Also, the company would be barred from furnishing a false guaranty that its textile fiber products were not misbranded or falsely or deceptively invoiced or advertised. The Department of Justice filed the complaint and proposed consent decree in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, in Los Angeles, on FTC's behalf. The consent decree is subject to approval by the court. This consent decree is for settlement purposes only and does not constitute an admission by the defendant of a law violation.
Consent decrees have the force of law when signed by the judge.
FTC proposed many changes to the guides, which FTC adopted in 1968 to prevent misrepresentations and provide consumers with helpful purchasing information. FTC seeks comments from the public regarding the changes, and whether the Watch Guides instead should be rescinded in their entirety. Review of the Watch Guides is part of FTC's ongoing regulatory reform program, designed to revise or, as necessary, rescind outdated rules and guides. September 2, 1997. FTC staff said the websites will be revisited soon and that further action may be taken thereafter if warranted.