FAN Bulletin 926
   
February 7, 2008

Dear Supporter,

In November of 2006, the American Dental Association (ADA) released a recommendation advising that infants not receive fluoridated water for the first year of life. This was a striking recommendation, especially since it came from the most adamant pro-fluoride organization in the country.

Prior to the ADA’s recommendation, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) had ruled that companies selling fluoridated bottled water could not make any claims that fluoride benefits infants’ teeth.

However, despite FDA’s ruling and the ADA’s recommendation, a US company (Nursery Water) continues to market fluoridated water specifically for babies! As noted in a complaint filed last week by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), Nursery Water continues to claim in its advertising that the added fluoride will “strengthen your little one’s teeth” and “prevent tooth decay.” The company further misleads parents by stating that the water is “specially formulated to contain the ADA recommended level of added fluoride.”

As noted by EWG’s Vice President for Research, Jane Houlihan: “Nursery Water’s behavior is completely irresponsible. They are misleading parents, misrepresenting the facts, and placing profits above the health of babies.”

Despite the fact that Nursery Water was informed by FAN and EWG back in November of 2006 of the deceptive nature of their advertising, they have yet to change their advertising. Because of this refusal, EWG has filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Food & Drug Administration (FDA). See: http://www.ewg.org/node/25958

It will be very interesting to see how the FTC and FDA respond to EWG’s complaint. Hopefully, it will lead to the removal ? once and for all ? of this dangerous product from the shelves of US stores.

In other news, we are happy to report that FAN’s 1st “Professionals Perspectives” video, featuring Dr. Bill Osmunson, has been watched by over 9,500 people in just 3 weeks! The video has led to an increase in the number of signers to our Professionals Statement to End Fluoridation. As of today, over 1,430 professionals have signed the statement, an increase of over 150 since the video was released. If you haven’t yet watched the video, you can do so at our homepage at: http://fluoridealert.org/

Paul Connett, PhD
Executive Director
Fluoride Action Network