Newspaper supplements as a rule have disclaimers in them. Sure they’re small type, but they are there. They basically give the dates of the sale, that rainchecks are offered if an advertised item gets depleted and that the prices are exactly as posted.
Ozark Natural Foods, my favorite grocery store, has up and run a circular in Wednesday’s paper, which is food-section day. I was so happy to see the confidence displayed by such an investment. As a fully paid member of the store, which is a cooperative, this is terrific.
But in not very small type, the Fayetteville co-op runs the following:
“Published prices are subject to change without notice. Availability of certain products may be limited. Some items may not be available.” Also, “These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Some items may not be available. Not responsible for typographical errors.”
The pair of FDA sentences is a national standard for nutritional supplements, with which no one should have a problem (though the FDA should test them like they do medicines, ending the need for the provision, and finally ending this loophole for the growing number of horse tonics).
But not guaranteeing the prices in an advertisement? No rainchecks? And, folks, advertisers sign off on ads before they’re run. That’s a centuries’ old print-shop tradition. If there’s a typo, call the store, not the paper. -30-
