Competition Bureau
ToolsRelated topicsResourcesAB Energizer removed from market following Competition Bureau investigationSecond electronic muscle stimulator removed from market in past two years OTTAWA, July 22, 2004 – Canadian consumers will no longer be subjected to claims of weight loss and muscle toning, made in connection with the AB Energizer, an electronic muscle stimulation device, from Urus Industrial Corporation, doing business as Koolatron. As part of a Consent Agreement registered today with the Competition Tribunal, Urus has agreed to refund consumers the full value of the devices. Urus sold the device via television Infomercials and their Web site for approximately $99 each to thousands of Canadians, giving the impression that without performing any physical exercise, a person could lose weight, obtain an athletic physique with well-defined abdominal muscles and receive the workout benefits of a fully equipped gymnasium. The AB Energizer is a device similar to the AbTronic, an electronic muscle stimulator sold by Thane Direct Canada Inc., which was removed from the market in December 2002. "Consumers are particularly vulnerable when it comes to unsubstantiated product performance claims, and more specifically when the claims relate to sensitive issues such as weight loss and physical appearance," said Raymond Pierce, Deputy Commissioner, Competition Bureau. "The Bureau is also looking at other similar devices being offered to Canadian consumers by other companies." After being advised that the Competition Bureau had commenced an inquiry into this matter, Urus requested the issue be resolved by Consent Agreement. According to this agreement, Urus has agreed, among other things, to:
Anyone who bought an AB Energizer directly from Urus, as verified by company records, can obtain a refund by simply making a request to the company. Customers who purchased an AB Energizer from a reseller can obtain a refund by sending a proof of purchase, along with their request, as set out in the Consent Agreement. Customers may contact Urus at 1-888-568-8674 or by sending a letter to: Urus Industrial Corporation The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency that promotes and maintains fair competition so that all Canadians can benefit from competitive prices, product choice and quality service. It oversees the application of the Competition Act, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, the Textile Labelling Act and the Precious Metals Marking Act. A copy of the Consent Agreement is available on the Competition Tribunal Web site at: http://www.ct-tc.gc.ca. Court Documents If the following documents are not accessible to you, please contact the Competition Bureau's Information Centre Toll free: 1-800-348-5358, Phone: (819) 997-4282 TDD (hearing impaired): 1-800-642-3844 for alternate print formats. For media enquiries, please contact:Maureen McGrath For general enquiries, please contact:Information Centre 
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Created: 2004-07-22 Updated: 2005-04-13 |
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