Metabotrim also contains L-Carnitine, a supplement that encourages fat utilization for energy. The FTC challenged as unsubstantiated, and therefore violative of the 1994 consent order, the resulting implied and direct claims about the ability of these products to reduce fat, increase metabolism, and preserve or build muscle. The complaint and proposed consent decree were filed this morning by the Department of Justice at the request of the FTC in U.S. District Court for the District of Utah, Central Division. The Commission vote to authorize filing was 5-0. A 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.