The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced it is distributing hundreds of thousands of dollars in refunds to consumers who purchased certain glass measuring cups.
Consumers who bought glass measuring cups from Instant Brands, the maker of Pyrex-brand kitchenware, could be entitled to a refund after the product was falsely advertised as "made in USA."
The refund program has been announced after an FTC investigation and subsequent settlement over deceptive claims by the company.
According to the FTC, Instant Brands misled consumers by claiming all its popular Pyrex measuring cups were manufactured in the United States. However, many of these products were actually imported from China. The false "made in USA" claims affected more than 110,000 measuring cup sets sold nationwide.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, "made in USA" means that "all or virtually all" the product has been made in America, and its final assembly must take place in the U.S. Recently, the FTC has been cracking down more on false claims.
There is a reason the "made in USA" label is so valuable, too. A 2023 survey by Morning Consult found that nearly two-thirds of U.S. consumers reported routinely seeking out "made in America" products—and they were willing to pay a premium for them too. A Retail Brew and Harris Poll survey released in 2022 found that nearly half of Americans are willing to pay around 10-20 percent more for U.S. made products.
FTC's investigation culminated in a 2023 settlement that required Instant Brands to halt what they called "deceptive claims" in marketing, and pay a monetary judgment. As part of the settlement, the company acknowledged the violation and agreed to compensate affected customers.
The FTC is sending checks to 10,259 eligible consumers who bought the mislabeled measuring cups. Each refund recipient is advised to cash their check within 90 days, as indicated on the payment. Consumers with questions about the refund process can contact the refund administrator, Simpluris, at 833-244-7320 or visit the FTC's website for further details.
As well as announcing the refunds, the FTC has also reminded the public that they will never ask individuals to provide personal information or pay money to receive a refund. Consumers should exercise caution if approached by anyone claiming otherwise.
This action is part of the FTC's broader efforts to protect consumers and ensure truth in advertising. The Commission emphasized the importance of accurate labeling, particularly when it comes to claims of domestic manufacturing, which often influence buying decisions. In 2023, the FTC facilitated $330 million in refunds to consumers through its enforcement actions.
If you purchased a Pyrex glass measuring cup in recent years and you are owed a refund, it will be mailed to you by the FTC.
English (US) ·