Red Bull fined for false marketing

While Red Bull might not actually have given you wings upon consumption, it is now forced to give consumers US$10 back for false advertising. According to several news sites, the payout could also take the form of two Red Bull products.This comes as the company complies to pay more than US$13 million after settling a US class action lawsuit in which the brand was accused of false advertising, said drinks industry publication BevNet.The company was accused of falsely marketing its product on the basis of improving concentration and reaction speeds. This claim lacks scientific support, according to authorities.The settlement could include millions of individuals who purchased at least one Red Bull can over the past decade, said BevNet. If the settlement is passed by the court, the brand will be required to pay US$6.5 million into a settlement fund in seven days, added the article.According to the suit, Red Bull was accused of pushing this brand message on various advertising platforms such as TV, internet, social media, events, athlete endorsement and marketing initiatives.“Such deceptive conduct and practices mean that [Red Bull’s] advertising and marketing is not just ‘puffery,’ but is instead deceptive and fraudulent and is therefore actionable,” said the suit.Red Bull told BevNET:“Red Bull settled the lawsuit to avoid the cost and distraction of litigation. However, Red Bull maintains that its marketing and labeling have always been truthful and accurate, and denies any and all wrongdoing or liability.”A claim form and a website has already been set up for the US$10.