Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup

Cough suppressant told to drop some "buzzwords" but website seems slow to catch up.

Mar 13, 2015

Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup

Talk about a sticky situation.

While Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup claims that its product soothes sore throats — the image right is a screenshot from the product’s website taken March 13 — the ad industry’s self-regulatory body just isn’t quite sold on that benefit of honey.

In a recent decision more sour than sweet, NAD recommended that Prestige Brands put the kibosh on advertising claims that its Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup — which contains only honey, water and a preservative — can soothe or calm sore throats.

NAD found no fault with claims that the syrup can soothe or calm coughs but ruled that “honey’s effect on coughs could not be assumed to extend to sore throats.” The group also said Prestige should stop making claims that the product can relieve cold symptoms.

Pfizer challenged the advertising to NAD. According to the NAD release, Prestige “took issue” with some of the recommendations but said it would take them into consideration in future advertising. Looks like the company’s website is slow to catch up.

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Our Ad Alerts are not just about false and deceptive marketing issues, but may also be about ads that, although not necessarily deceptive, should be viewed with caution. Ad Alerts can also be about single issues and may not include a comprehensive list of all marketing issues relating to the brand discussed.