Rena Ware to pay $600,000 for making false health claims

If a product claims to cure diabetes and heart disease, it probably doesn't. But according to California's Attorney General, representatives of Rena Ware International, Inc. selling high-end cookware were making such claims and pressuring mostly Spanish-speaking immigrants in the Los Angeles area to buy the products.

Earlier this month, the Washington state-based company settled with the attorney general's office, agreeing to pay more than $600,000 in refunds and other fees as well as make changes to its business practices.

In its complaint, the attorney general said representatives for the company told consumers their competitors' cookware posed serious health risks. They told consumers that Rena Ware promoted good health and could cure diseases, claims that the AG says convinced consumers to allow sales reps into their homes.