Opinion ID: 440186
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Paragraph V of the Order

Text: 94 Paragraph V prohibits Sterling from falsely representing that an aspirin-based product is different from aspirin and from misrepresenting the analgesic ingredient of any product. This section bars Sterling from creating the impression that the analgesic ingredients in its products are different from those in competing products. It also proscribes advertisements that contrast with aspirin the ingredient in an aspirin-based analgesic, without disclosing the aspirin content of the Sterling product. This paragraph covers all of Sterling's nonprescription internal analgesic products. 95 Sterling argues this section is irrationally broad because its violation was de minimus. We agree with the Commission, however, that this violation was serious for two reasons. First, misleading consumers who cannot tolerate aspirin is a grave concern. Second, consumers who did not know Midol's analgesic ingredient was aspirin might not question Midol's comparatively high retail price. 96 Moreover, the Commission carefully tailored this section of the order. The ALJ's proposed order would have required Sterling to disclose the presence of aspirin in any advertisement for an aspirin-based analgesic. The Commission rejected this requirement, holding Sterling has no affirmative duty to announce its products' aspirin content. Instead, the duty imposed by the Commission's order is that Sterling refrain from creating the false impression that a product does not contain aspirin. 97 Finally, Sterling argues that it has been forthright in revealing the aspirin content of Cope and Vanquish and that this indicates the violation will not be transferred to other products. If it is in fact Sterling's policy to disclose its products' aspirin content, this section of the order will not be burdensome. It is closely tailored to the practice actually committed by Sterling and is a necessary and appropriate means of protecting consumers. Paragraph V will therefore be enforced. 98 The Commission's order is ENFORCED.