http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/a.../21/c2892.html Fabutan and Competition Bureau reach agreement on Vitamin D health benefits from ultraviolet light
TORONTO, Dec. 21 /CNW/ - Fabutan Sun Tan Studios, Canada's largest indoortanning company, today announced that after a lengthy mediation sessionyesterday it has reached an agreement with the Competition Bureau of Canada. The agreement addresses Fabutan's ability to communicate with the publicabout the health benefits of Vitamin D obtained through exposure toUltraviolet B (UVB) in a tanning bed.
It was agreed that Fabutan may communicate that Vitamin D can bemaintained or increased as a result of a tanning session in which the tanningequipment incorporates UVB irradiance. "We are extremely pleased afterreviewing the scientific research that although the some of the benefits ofVitamin D are not conclusively proven, the agreement allows for us tocommunicate an association to the health benefits linked to Vitamin D," McNabbsaid.
"Health Canada lists Vitamin D production as an effect of exposure to UVBin a tanning bed, so we felt the focus really should be on the benefits ofVitamin D. We are happy that Vitamin D finally gets its day in the sun. Wecommend the Competition Bureau for the open-mindedness in which I feel theyapproached this mediation." The agreement will be available for viewing on theCompetition Bureau's web site during the first week of January.
"Through this process our expert witnesses provided over 1,000 pages ofresearch supporting the benefits of Vitamin D. The body of scientific evidencesupporting these claims continues to grow. Research on Vitamin D points topotential associations for the reduced risk of breast, colon, prostate, andovarian cancer, multiple sclerosis and diabetes", McNabb said.
"I think as Canadians, we have lost sight of something very basic. The human race evolved under natural sunlight. Exposing the skin to UVB light isthe way our bodies were naturally and biologically designed to produceVitamin D," he said. "In fact, information in one of the government's ownexpert witness publications confirms that 85 per cent of our Vitamin D comesfrom exposure to UVB in sunlight. Adequate doses of UVB from natural sunlightare available to Canadians only six to eight months per year," McNabb added.
As part of the settlement, Fabutan has agreed to pay $62,500 and FabutanPresident Doug McNabb will donate $12,500 to Direct - MS in Calgary.
The Competition Bureau filed an application last March to have Fabutanstop conveying to Canadians anything relating the benefits of Vitamin D or UVBlight. For over 25 years, Fabutan has prided itself on teaching Canadians howto maximize the benefits, while minimizing the risks of too much or too littleUV exposure.
About The Competition Bureau The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency thatpromotes and maintains fair competition so that all Canadians can benefit fromcompetitive prices, product choice and quality services. It oversees theapplication of the Competition Act, the Consumer Packaging and Labeling Act,the Textile Labeling Act and the Precious Metals Marking Act.
About Fabutan Sun Tan Studios Canadians enjoyed over 5 million tanning sessions in 2005 across thecountry, establishing Fabutan as Canada's largest indoor tanning company.Operating for over 25 years and now with 150 franchises nationwide, Fabutanhas been an industry leader by promoting responsible tanning and ensuring thehighest quality of customer service and equipment.