Under the order finalized on July 14, Vanilla Chip LLC, which does business as TruHeight, and its principals, Eden Stelmach and Justin Rapoport, will pay $750,000 after the FTC suspended the remainder of a $4 million judgment because of their inability to pay. The order also permanently restricts how the company can advertise its products and use consumer reviews in its marketing.
The Commission voted 2-0 to finalize the order following a public comment period after announcing the proposed settlement in April.
The agency had alleged TruHeight marketed supplements as capable of increasing height in children and teenagers without adequate scientific support while using fake or misleading consumer reviews to promote its products. In April 2026, NutraIngredients previously examined the proposed settlement and its implications for claims substantiation and testimonial practices.
Order formalizes advertising restrictions
The company can no longer advertise its supplements as increasing height or height growth in children or teenagers unless those claims are supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence. The same substantiation standard also applies to any other health benefit claims made for the company’s products.
The final order specifies the level of evidence the FTC expects where experts would generally require human clinical data. In those circumstances, substantiation should include “randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled human clinical testing” conducted on the product or an essentially equivalent product.
The order also bars TruHeight from misrepresenting consumer reviews or testimonials and from offering incentives in exchange for favorable or unfavorable reviews.
Company says FTC review prompted broader compliance changes
“The FTC’s final order reflects the settlement announced earlier this year, and our position remains unchanged,” a TruHeight spokesperson told NutraIngredients.
“We cooperated fully with the FTC throughout the process, entered into a voluntary settlement, and are moving forward under the terms of the final order,” they added.
The spokesperson said the company began implementing changes to its compliance program about 18 months ago, before the settlement was announced publicly. Those measures included a formal claims review process with outside regulatory counsel, along with new procedures governing testimonials, consumer reviews and influencer content.
According to the spokesperson, TruHeight also updated its claims substantiation practices to align with the FTC’s expectations and continues to operate under those standards.
Stelmach previously told NutraIngredients that the FTC investigation ultimately prompted broader operational changes within the company.
“This process was challenging, in time, energy, and financially, but it made TruHeight a better company...it forced us to raise the bar across compliance, operations, and how we communicate with customers,” he said.
He added that the company is focused on building trust with consumers, retailers and regulators as it moves forward.
NutraIngredients reached out to the FTC, which declined to comment beyond its published materials.
