Image: Listerine advertisement, 1932

Description: 1932 advertisement for Listerine mouthwash from Lambert Pharmaceutical Co.. From 1921 until the mid-1970s, Listerine was also marketed as preventive and remedy for colds and sore throats. In 1976, the Federal Trade Commission ruled that these claims were misleading, and that Listerine had "no efficacy" at either preventing or alleviating the symptoms of sore throats and colds. Warner-Lambert was ordered to stop making the claims, and to include in the next $10.2 million dollars' of Listerine ads specific mention that "contrary to prior advertising, Listerine will not help prevent colds or sore throats or lessen their severity."[1]

Out of the magazine Good Housekeeping.
Usage Terms: Public domain