Tulsa World, Okla., Action Line column

Source: Tulsa World, Okla.迷你倉Oct. 27--Dear Action Line: Sometimes I wonder if these products with the statement "Made in USA" really were. Does anyone keep track of this or verify origination? -- Made in TulsaThe Federal Trade Commission monitors truth in advertising where consumers and businesses interface, and the "Made in USA" claim has come up enough that FTC issued standards and enforcement policy statements (bit.ly/ftcmadeinusa) for businesses likely to make such claims in advertising."Traditionally, FTC has required products advertised as Made in USA be all or virtually all made in the U.S.," the report reads. "After a comprehensive review of made in USA and other U.S. origin claims in product advertising and labeling, the Commission announced in December 1997 it would retain the all or virtually all standard. FTC issued its Enforcement Policy Statement on U.S. Origin Claims."The agency recently settled a "Made in USA" case with E.K. Ekcessories (bit.ly/ekekcesessories) a marketer of iPhone accessories, bottle holders, lens cleaners, dog collars, leashes and other outdoor accessories. The company deceptively touted such equipment as "truly made in the USA" and misled consumers into thinking they were buying products 100 percent American-made.As it turns out, many of the components and materials of the products the company produced originated in other countries, an FTC email release states."A company that makes a 'made in the USA' or other United States origin claim for its product should be abself storagee to prove that all, or almost all, of that product was made in the U.S. Products with these labels should contain virtually no material or components from other countries," the release states."In general, products processed or finished in the USA that contain materials from other countries should not be labeled 'Made in the USA' without further explanation. Look for qualifying statements near the claim that explain which components of the product come from the USA."An FTC consumer advisory states: "By law, most textiles and wool products must identify where they were made. If there isn't a label for such products, ask the retailer who has more information. However, many products are not required to be labeled nor are retailers required to disclose or mention information relating to them. Federal law requires automobiles made since 1994 for sale in the U.S. have labels stating where they were assembled. It must also specify the percentage of equipment made in the U.S. and Canada, and the country where the engine and transmission were made."If you feel a product you bought recently wasn't really "Made in USA" as labeled, file a complaint with the FTC at bit.ly/madeinusacomplaintSubmit Action Line questions by calling 918-699-8888, emailing phil.mulkins@tulsaworld.com or by mailing them to Tulsa World Action Line, P.O. Box 1770, Tulsa, OK 74102-1770.Copyright: ___ (c)2013 Tulsa World (Tulsa, Okla.) Visit Tulsa World (Tulsa, Okla.) at .tulsaworld.com Distributed by MCT Information Services迷利倉