EPA Sues North Face Over 'Anti-Bacteria' Boots

Company could be fined $1M for misleading claims

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 24, 2009 6:40 AM CDT

(Newser) – North Face may be kicked with a fine of up to $1 million for claiming its shoes have the power to kill fungus and bacteria. The EPA filed a lawsuit against the outdoor clothing company's parent firm yesterday, alleging that the operation violated federal law by advertising that its specially treated footbeds prevent disease-causing germs.

"Unverified public health claims can lead people to believe they are protected from disease-causing organisms when, in fact, they may not be," said an EPA spokeswoman. Company officials said tags making the claims were removed from products lat year, AP reports.

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The North Face wrongly claimed its footbeds prevent bacteria, according to an EPA lawsuit. (©twak)

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Unverified public health claims can lead people to believe they are protected from disease-causing organisms when, in fact, they may not be. - EPA associate director Katherine Taylor

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 8 comments

zackmasson

Sep 25, 2009 9:32 AM CDT

OMG, of all the things in the world this is the fucking shit they go after! wtf............ wtf!!! EPA GO FUCK YOURSELF. Think you could put this much attention into the toxic waste being dumped into water sources.

EileenRocks

Sep 24, 2009 12:16 PM CDT

Pffffft. You should. Without the government to reign them in, we'd be subjected to lots of misleading and harmful products. This is the way it's supposed to be done (and wasn't for 8 years).

SilenceDogood

Sep 24, 2009 12:00 PM CDT

I feel safer, our government at work. I’m sure someone will blame the on GWB or the Republicans.

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EPA Sues North Face Over 'Anti-Bacteria' Boots