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 It's not always easy to tell if an advertisement is telling the whole truth, but there are certain clues you can look for to determine if the claims an ad is making are legitimate.
Here are some ways to determine fact from fiction...
Words matter. Look for specific rather than general claims.
The following words basically mean nothing since they are too vague:
· Natural
· Hypoallergenic
· Nontoxic
· Fragrance-free or unscented
· Free range
· Hormone-free
· Antibiotic-free
· Eco-friendly, environmentally preferable, or eco-safe
· Green
Meaningless claims are found universally in the marketplace. For example, some sort of “natural” claim was made about 33 percent of food and beverage products launched last year. Some instances of specific claims:
· Made from post-consumer recycled paper
· Formaldehyde-free
· No additives
· No animal byproducts
· Phosphate-free
Choose products with claims that can, at least in theory, be verified by package ingredient labeling or other sources
 Look for proof and Rely on experts. Know where to check products and companies out. Better Business Bureau does your homework for you by maintaining reports on specific products and companies that market them. USDA and the FDA are also reliable resources to verify product ingredients and health claims. Similarly, The FTC addresses companies and products with misleading claims as well in an effort to assist consumers in making wise product choices.
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