Watchdog rules against Atkins ad.
Prince Lancaster
21 July 2008
Watchdog rules against Atkins ad Red beef is a key part of the Atkins diet An advertising watchdog has defended a complaint about an advert for the Atkins diet which alleged it helped folk have a healthier lifestyle. The UK's Advertising Standards Authority dominated the claim could not be proven and will be removed. The ASA also ruled the low carbohydrate plan conflicted with state recommendation on a balanced diet. The Atkins company protected its diet as "scientifically validated". The plan conflicted with UK govt recommendation on achieving a balanced diet. Advertising Standards Authority controlling The advert at the centre of the complaint, which had featured in regional press, showed footage of Atkins-branded foods with the statement "Atkins the original low-carb lifestyle". The company provided 44 systematic studies to support its "healthier lifestyle" claim. But the ASA found the studies were either carried out over short periods of time or were limited in their scope. Many requested longer assessments to be carried out. Advertising limitations The Atkins nutritive Approach makes a plea to be a "lifetime nutritive philosophy". On its site, it recommends dieters to cut back on refined carbohydrates like high-sugar foods, breads, pasta, cereal and starchy veggies. The Atkins web site states that its branded products are on sale in more than 1000 English stores. The company, set up in the States in 1989 as Atkins Complementary Formulations, produces low-carb foods and other diet additions. The UK wing of its operations went into administration early on in the year. |