After World War II, the U.S. began to focus on protecting consumers as the economy became more industrialized and commercialized. This era included some of the first laws and legal rulings that held corporations accountable for both fraud and willful omissions and unsafe practices that caused consumers harm. Milestones during the post-war era established that access to truthful information and product safety are consumer rights and not merely a courtesy.
Recognizing that not listing product information (like ingredients) can harm consumers as much as false statements of information, the court supported the FTC’s power to require mandatory product information posting. Companies are required to inform consumers about important product facts rather than hiding behind silence or vague claims.
The Supreme Court allowed for federal regulation of retail drug sales, strengthening the Federal Drug Administration’s (FDA) authority over drug marketing. Pharmacies and retailers must now adhere to federal rules on drug labeling, storage, and sales practices, ensuring consumer protection from dangerous or misbranded medications.
Consumers gain legal protection against false advertising and deceptive sales tactics that cheat Americans out of their hard-earned money, establishing a robust framework for state consumer protection laws. Previously, companies could make false claims about products, use bait-and-switch tactics, and misrepresent prices without consequences.
Explore key eras in consumer protection history! Know your consumer rights so you can claim them. Together, we can engage in the necessary and hard work ahead to win greater protections for our communities and ensure every one of us can live a joyful, healthy life.
