Empty promises: “Fitness Nutrition” brand from Elmshorn loses court

If you listen to some users on the public website Instagram, you can think that the products of the brand “More Nutrition” are real miracle cures. “More Nutrition” is part of the nutritional supplement company “The Quality Group” (TQG) based in Elmshorn. In another post, a customer reported that he successfully lost weight with the products “Chunky Flavor”, “Zerup” and “Total Protein”. In another video, a woman’s personal report gives customers the impression that the use of the product “Cycle Balance” led to the return of the previous period and pregnancy.

Such videos are the reason why the consumer organization Foodwatch sued the company TQG. And why “Excess Nutrition” is no longer allowed to publish certain health claims on social media since the court decision of the Itzehoe District Court on September 24. According to the decision, the company violates the European Health Claims Regulation if it claims that its products help women lose weight or help women get pregnant.

Foodwatch: Consumers are being ripped off

The European Health Claims Regulation aims to protect consumers from false health claims. Food manufacturers are only allowed to advertise with those announcements before they have successfully completed the approval process involving the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and have been included in the EU-wide list. According to the Foodwatch organization, “More Nutrition” publishes health claims almost every day that do not meet the requirements of the Health Exercise Act.

“Promises of a cure from ‘Extra Nutrition’ are not only deceiving consumers – they are also breaking the law,” explained Laura Knauf of Foodwatch. “If a Nutrition Supplement uses influencers and consumers for its marketing, that is not wrong in the first place. “However, it is irresponsible to deceive young women in particular into thinking that their products will they help to lose weight or get pregnant without taking any other action – especially when such claims are based only on personal experience or selected studies, most of which are funded by industry.”

For example, a consumer organization filed a lawsuit against several promotional videos distributed on the “More Nutrition” Instagram channel. Including the articles mentioned in the beginning about the success of weight loss and pregnancy. In other applications, influencers promoting the company on their Instagram channels promise that protein powder and protein coffee from “More Nutrition” will help you lose weight. Foodwatch criticized the fact that these health claims were not on the EU-wide list of approved health claims.

The company believes that the court’s decision is wrong

In a statement, TQG said it respects the court’s decision, but takes a different view. The court followed Foodwatch’s argument that consumers may mistakenly think that products such as Chunky Flavor or Zerup lead to weight loss on their own and without a calorie deficit.

“We want to make it clear that we do not make false promises. We never suggested that weight loss is possible without a calorie deficit. On the contrary, it is often stated that weight loss can only be achieved through a calorie deficit. Our products can support this process by helping to control calorie consumption easily. ”

TQG is considering further legal action

TQG goes on to explain that they firmly believe that their customers are informed and capable of making informed decisions for their health. We will continue to improve our communication to ensure that customers receive even more accurate information. “Our goal is to continue to convey clear and concise messages so that our products and their benefits are understood and understood.” steps.

Strong Correction of Past Nutrition

“Excessive Nutrition” has come under heavy criticism in recent months, including in a report on the ZDF satirical show Magazin Royale. Recently, a district court in Hamburg ruled that a protein brownie baking mix could not declare “95 percent less sugar” and “70 percent less fat” because it was not be clear about what the parable is about.