Just in from the Made In the USA Foundation Offices...

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The Results....

On Friday, I challenged you to log all of your purchases, and pay attention to the country of origin. For me, this was not a shopping filled weekend. However, it was full of food and beverages.

Friday night, I enjoyed a meal at a local chain. Of course, the menu said nothing about where the food came from. Saturday, I dined at a French restaurant. My food was from the U.S.,  but the house wine was made in France. The list of American wines was lacking.

Sunday’s lunch was the same as Friday’s dinner. I’m assuming my food originated from the States. However, the menu lacked country of origin information, I’m not sure.

This lack of information made me start thinking about food guidelines. Recently, the State of California enacted legislation requiring restaurant chains of a certain size to post nutritional information on their menu. The State should expand this legislation to include country of origin information for meats and poultry. 

I Challenge You....

Today, I am not going to hate on anyone. I am not going to give you my opinion on what products to buy. I’m not even going to tell you about any government agencies. Instead, I am asking you to conduct an experiment.

This weekend (Starting Saturday morning through Sunday evening) pay attention to what you buy.  Log all of your purchases. As you log your purchases, note the country of origin.

I plan on doing the same. I’ll report back on Monday. 

Made in the U.S.A. Foundation in the News…Again

Over a decade ago, Joel D. Joseph, General Counsel to Made in the USA Foundation, filed suit against Kwikset Lock Company for labeling their products “Made in the USA” after Kwikset moved its factory from Anaheim, California to Mexicali, Mexico.  Today, the California Supreme Court ruled that consumers of these locks have the right to sue manufacturers under California law for the mislabeled products that they purchased.

My favorite quote from the opinion:

"Simply stated:  labels matter.  The marketing industry is based on the premise that labels matter, that consumers will choose one product over another similar product based on its label and various tangible and intangible qualities they may come to associate with a particular source.”

According to Joseph, “This is a landmark decision.  The California Supreme Court has ruled that labels concerning consumer goods, known as ‘credence products’ could be enforced in court.  When buying ‘credence products’ consumers rely on manufacturers’ representations of hidden qualities, whether the products are kosher, organic or Made in the U.S.A.   This ruling is the first time that highest court of a state has protected the right of consumers to purchase “Made in the USA” and other hidden product qualities.   The Made in the USA Foundation will use this landmark ruling around the country to make sure that manufacturers tell the truth about the country of origin of their products.”

What Can the FTC Do For Me?

Yesterday, I spread the word about a lawsuit filed by the Made in the USA Foundation against Lucky Brand Jeans. For all of you non-legal people out there, the Foundation filed a complaint with the FTC. According to the Foundation, Lucky Brand Jeans was in violation of Federal Trade Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 45 and 45a. 

As a consumer, you are probably wondering what this means. Basically, deceptive advertising is illegal. Lucky Brand Jeans’ logo says “Born in America.” Considering the jeans are no longer made in America, this is a deceptive practice. Therefore, Lucky Brand Jeans is breaking the law.

The Foundation is asking the FTC for relief. The FTC is the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC is an independent Federal Agency founded in 1914. Congress makes consumer protection laws and the FTC enforces these laws.

If you purchased a pair of Lucky Brand Jeans and were under the impression they are manufactured domestically, contact the Made in the USA Foundation and the FTC at http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/contact.shtm. 

False Advertising: Lucky Brand Jeans

The Shorts Advertised Above Were Made Abroad

The Made in the USA Foundation filed suit with the Federal Trade Commission against Lucky Brand Jeans. According to papers filed with the FTC, Lucky Brand Denim manufactures its products abroad.  However, denim manufacturer advertises its products as “All American.”   This is illegal.

The complaint states:

1.     Products that are made in the U.S.A. are not required by law to include a country of origin designation.

2.     Consumers reasonably believe that the Lucky Brand Jeans that they are purchasing are made in the United States.

3.     Consumers paid more for the Lucky Brand Jeans than “made in Mexico” jeans are worth because they believed that the jeans were made in the United States.

If you have fallen victim to Lucky Brand Denim’s false advertising please contact the FTC at http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/contact.shtm. 

Have Some Wine, Help the Economy

I wouldn’t consider myself a wine connoisseur, but I do enjoy an occasional glass of vino. Last night I sipped on some California red. This led me to wonder, "What is the big fuss over imported wine?"

Turns out I’m not alone. Wine website wineography.com’s Top 10 Wine List, includes 5 wines from the United States.

In Top Wine List

The top wine list shows the top 10 wines in Wineography's system. This list is made up from the ratings in the members' online tasting notes.

Pos.            Wine           

1            Shiraz 2006 [ Greg Norman Estates, Australia ]           

2            Cabernet Franc 2002 [ Peju Province Winery, USA ]           

3            Red 2006 [ Arancio, Italy ]            94.3

4            Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 [ Kuleto Estate, USA ]           

5            Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Pinotage 2003 [ Kanonkop Wine Estate, South           

6            Grenache 2004 [ Bodegas Alto Moncayo, Spain ]            93.0

7            Barbera 2005 [ Ponte Family Winery, USA ]           

8            Shiraz 2004 [ Wattle Creek Winery, USA ]           

9            Pinot Noir 2003 [ Wild Horse, USA ]           

10            Syrah 2001 [ Agua Dulce Vineyards, USA ]           

Next time you sit down for a glass or two of wine, drink American. Think of it as helping your economy. 

For more information on the Top Wine list, check out http://www.wineography.com/top_wines.htm.