Nestle SA subsidiary in US has agreed to drop advertising claims that its children's drink BOOST Kid Essentials prevents colds and flu, the Federal Trade Commission said on Wednesday. The FTC, which pursues deceptive advertising, took issue with claims that BOOST prevented colds and flu by strengthening the immune system, focusing on advertisements for a drink embedded with probiotic bacteria.

"Nestle's claims that its probiotic product would prevent kids from getting sick or missing school just didn't stand up to scrutiny," said David Vladeck, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection. Nestle HealthCare Nutrition Inc has agreed to stop making the claims unless they are approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The agreement involves no admission of wrongdoing or monetary payment, according to Nestle.

"The agreement with the FTC ... will allow Nestle HealthCare Nutrition to continue to advertise BOOST Kid Essentials Nutritionally Complete Drink as providing complete nutrition for kids ages 1 to 13," the company said in a statement.