Jody GORRAN, Plaintiff,
v.
ATKINS NUTRITIONALS, INC., and Paul D. Wolff, Solely in his Representative Capacity as Co-Executor of the Estate of Robert C. Atkins, M.D., Defendants.
No. 05 Civ. 10679(DC).
United States District Court, S.D. New York.
December 11, 2006.*316 *317 *318 Daniel Kinburn, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Washington, DC, for Plaintiff.
Wilson, Elser, Moskowitz, Edelman & Dicker LLP by Thomas Leghorn, Bruce Ainbinder, Esq., Laura Kramer, New York, NY, for Defendant Atkins Nutritionals, Inc.
Greenberg Traurig LLp by Alan Mansfield, William A. Wargo, New York, NY, for Defendant Paul D. Wolff, Co-Executor of the Estate of Robert C. Atkins, M.D.
OPINION
CHIN, District Judge.
Plaintiff Jody Gorran, a 53-year old businessman, went on the popular low-carbohydrate Atkins Diet (the "Diet") in the spring of 2001. Six months earlier, his cholesterol level was only 146 and he had a "very low risk" of heart disease. After just two months on the Diet, however, his cholesterol level shot up to 230. Nonetheless, he remained on the Diet until October 2003, when he experienced severe chest pain. As a consequence, he had an angioplasty a surgical procedure to unclog one of his coronary arteries, and a stent was placed into the artery to help keep it open.
Gorran now sues defendants Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. ("ANI"), and Paul D. Wolf, co-executor of the Estate of Robert C. Atkins, M.D. (the "Estate"), for products liability, negligent misrepresentation, and deceptive conduct under Florida law. Gorran contends that the Diet is dangerous because it calls for a high-fat, high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet that increases the risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and certain types of cancer. He alleges that products sold by defendants books, food products, and nutritional supplements are "defective and unreasonably dangerous." He seeks money damages as well as an injunction requiring defendants to put warning labels on all Atkins products and the ANI website.
*319 Defendants move pursuant to Rule 12(c) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure for judgment on the pleadings dismissing the complaint. The motions are granted, for Gorran's claims are meritless. Defendants' books and food products are not defective or dangerous products within the meaning of products liability law. Pastrami and cheesecake large amounts of which Gorran admittedly consumed may present risks, but these are risks of which consumers are aware. The average consumer surely anticipates that these and other high-fat or high-protein foods may increase cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease. Moreover, the Diet consists of advice and ideas. The concepts may be controversial and the subject of criticism, but they are protected by the First Amendment. For these and other reasons set out below, Gorran's claims are dismissed.
BACKGROUND
A. The Facts
The facts are drawn from the complaint, the 1999 and 2002 editions of the book Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution, authored by Robert C. Atkins, M.D. (the "Book"), and the ANI website, www.atkins.com (the "Website").[1] For purposes of these motions, the facts alleged by Gorran are assumed to be true.
1. The Atkins Diet
The late Dr. Robert Atkins conceived the Diet in the 1970s. (Compl.¶ 6). The Diet advocates a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet, promising potential dieters that they "can eat all [they] want, lose weight and stay healthy, so long as [they] restrict carbohydrates." (Id. ¶ 10).
The Diet is described as one that:
Completely excludes hunger from the dieting experience;
includes food so rich that you've never seen them on any other diet;
Produces steady weight loss even if you have experienced dramatic failure or weight regain on other diets; and
Is so perfectly adapted to use as a lifetime diet that, unlike most diets, the lost weight won't come back.
(Id. ¶ 11 (quoting Robert C. Atkins, M.D., Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution 4 (M. Evans & Co., Inc.1999) (the "1999 Edition") (Compl.Ex. C))).[2]
The Diet teaches that "Fat satiates the appetite . . . Fat stops carbohydrate craving. And fat, in the absence of carbohydrates, accelerates the burning of stored fat. The wise dieter can use fat to his advantage." (Id. ¶ 25 (quoting 1999 Edition at 22 (Compl.Ex.D))). The Diet insists that it is safe for everyone, regardless of the amount of high-fat food the dieter consumes. (Id. ¶ 26).
Because there has been no long-term study of the Diet, there is no scientific evidence of the impact of following the Diet on the long-term health of dieters. (Id. ¶ 27). Of the short-term studies that have been conducted, the impact of following the Diet has varied. For approximately *320 30% of individuals studied, "bad" cholesterol (LDL) levels increased after following the Diet. (Id. ¶ 28). Dr. Atkins acknowledged that risk factors for heart disease can worsen for some individuals who follow the Diet. (Id. ¶ 30). These individuals, as the Book explains, are "fat-sensitive"; however, "intensive study of medical reports strongly suggests that fewer than one person in three falls into this category." (Id. ¶¶ 30-31 (quoting 1999 Edition at 139 (Compl.Ex.E))).
The Book recommends that the dieter obtain a complete lipid profile before the Diet and after following the initial or "induction" stage of the Diet, during which the dieter avoids almost all carbohydrates. 1999 Edition at 139 (Compl.Ex.E). If the lipid profile worsens after the initial stage, the dieter should follow a low-fat version of the Diet, but should go back to the regular Diet if he or she "get[s] hungry or [does not] feel as well on [the low-fat version]." Id. If, however, the dieter is satisfied with the low-fat version, the dieter is advised to stay with it and have another lipid profile drawn. Id. If the results of that profile show that the dieter is "fat sensitive," the dieter is advised to stay on the low-fat version of the Diet. Id. at 140.
Originally, Dr. Atkins marketed the Diet through books, nutritional supplements, herbs, and minerals. (Compl.¶ 6). ANI, New York corporation, was later established to market the Diet food products and nutritional supplements. (Id. ¶ 2; Robert C. Atkins, M.D., Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution 73 (HarperCollins Publishers 2002) (the "2002 Edition")). ANI and the Estate conduct an advertising and marketing campaign in all fifty states including Florida-aimed at promoting the Diet and the sale of Atkins related products. (Compl.¶¶ 4-5, 7). The Website is an important part of this campaign. (Id. ¶ 7).
2. Heart Disease
Only a small percentage of the population has a true genetic disposition toward heart disease. (Compl.¶ 16). Heart disease is linked to serum cholesterol concentration; the higher a person's serum cholesterol concentration, the greater the chance that person will develop heart disease. (Id. ¶ 18). The amount of saturated fat and dietary cholesterol a person consumes will influence a person's cholesterol level. (Id. ¶ 19). Cholesterol is found only in animal food products, including meat, poultry, fish, cheese, and eggs; it is not found in food derived from plants. (Id. ¶ 20). The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, a division of the National institute of Health, recommends that the average adult consume no more than 300 milligrams of dietary cholesterol per day. (Id. ¶ 23).
3. Gorran Goes on the Atkins Diet
Gorran is a resident of Delray Beach, Florida. (Id. ¶ 1). He was 53 years old when this case was filed. (Id.). After reading the 1999 Edition, Gorran began the Diet in May 2001. (Id. ¶ 33). The 1999 Edition, like the 2002 Edition, contains a disclaimer on the copyright page, which states that the advice offered in the Book is not intended to be a substitute for the advice and counsel of the dieter's personal physician. (See Wargo Decl. Exs. A & 3).
While on the Diet, Gorran consumed approximately $25 worth of food products purchased from ANI, including Advantage Bars, pancake mix, and pancake syrup. (Id. ¶¶ 44, 84). He also ate large amounts of pastrami and "Atkins friendly" cheesecake. (Id. ¶ 51). Prior to starting the Diet, he researched the Diet and discovered that diets high in saturated fats could potentially increase one's risk for heart disease. (Id. ¶ 34). Nevertheless, he began *321 the Diet, relying on the advice of Dr. Atkins and the ANI website. That advice consisted of, inter alia, the following:
Of the many misconceptions that surround the [Diet], perhaps the most widespread is the assumption that eating foods high in fat is a health risk. Not so in the absence of refined carbohydrates.
It is true that every major health organization . . . endorses a low-fat diet in the unquestioned belief that fat causes heart disease. But are they right? A good deal of compelling evidence points in the opposite direction.
There is no scientific evidence showing that consuming fat, saturated or otherwise, is bad for you in the context of a controlled-carbohydrate lifestyle.
Rather than creating high cholesterol levels, eating saturated fat actually reduces those levels.
You will lower your high-risk LDL cholesterol and total triglycerides far more effectively and far more quickly if you control your carbohydrate consumption in
general and avoid refined carbs in particular than if you avoid animal foods that contain cholesterol.
(Id. ¶ 34).
In November 2000, before starting the Diet, Gorran's cholesterol level was 146 mg/dl, his HDL or "good" cholesterol was 53 mg/dl, his LDL or "bad" cholesterol was 85 mg/dl, and his triglycerides were 42 mg/dl. (Id. ¶ 36).[3] In December 2000, a computed tomography ("CT") scan of his heart revealed that Gorran had zero calcified plaque surrounding his heart, leading to a diagnosis of "very low [coronary vascular disease] risk." (Id. ¶ 37).
On June 26, 2001, after following the Diet for two months, Gorran's cholesterol was 230 mg/dl, his good cholesterol was 65 mg/di, his bad cholesterol was 154 mg/dl, and his triglycerides were 56 mg/dl. (Id. ¶ 39). At 230 mg/dl, his total cholesterol was well into the "danger range." (Id.). Despite the rise in his cholesterol levels, Gorran relied on the advice in the Book and on the Website that rising cholesterol levels were not a reason to discontinue the Diet. (See id. ¶ 40).
In October 2003, Gorran experienced severe chest pain while on vacation in New York City. (Id. ¶ 45). Upon returning to Florida, he continued to experience chest pain when exercising. (Id.). Thereafter, in October 2003, Gorran scheduled an appointment with a cardiologist, Dr. Bruce R. Martin, who conducted a series of tests, including blood tests, an echocardiogram/Doppler study, and a Thallium stress test. (Id. ¶ 43). The blood tests showed that Gorran's total cholesterol was 209 mg/ dl, his good cholesterol was 53 mg/dl, his bad cholesterol was 127 mg/di, and his triglycerides were 144 mg/dl. (Id. ¶ 47). The stress test found "moderate ischemia of the anterior wall and apex," meaning that there was some blockage of the blood vessels leading to Gorran's heart. (Id.). The echocardiogram/Doppler study found "mildly abnormal LET [left ventricle] with mild hypokenesis [abnormally diminished muscular function or mobility] of the anterior wall and apex." (Id. ¶ 49).
Based on these tests, Dr. Martin directed Gorran to undergo immediate cardiac catherization. (Id. ¶ 50). This diagnostic procedure revealed a 99% narrowing of one of Gorran's coronary arteries. (Id.). As a result, Dr. Richard Kim performed an *322 angioplasty, or surgical repair of the blood vessel by inserting a balloon tipped catheter to unclog it. (Id.). Dr. Kim also placed a stent, or small expandable tube, into Gorran's artery to help it remain open. (Id.). Gorran suffered severe pain and physical and emotional distress as a result of his cardiac problems and angiogram. (Id. ¶ 57).
Following the procedure, Dr. Martin advised Gorran to discontinue the Diet. (Id. ¶ 51). Dr. Martin further informed Gorran that, had he not sought treatment when he did, he would have been at risk for a heart attack. (Id. ¶ 52).
In December 2003, after being off the Diet for two months, Gorran had his cholesterol tested again. (Id. ¶ 53). His cholesterol levels returned to normal, with his total cholesterol at 146 mg/dl, his good cholesterol at 52 mg/dl, his bad cholesterol at 81 mg/dl, and his triglycerides at 65 mg/dl. (Id. ¶ 47).
After he stopped following the Diet, Gorran researched the Diet and learned that many respected health professionals have issued warnings about the Diet warnings defendants purportedly urged their followers to ignore. (Id. ¶ 54). For example, the American Heart Association warns that, because high-protein foods are often high in saturated fat, following a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet "for a sustained period of time may increase the risk for coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke and several types of cancer." (Id. ¶ 55). Similarly, the American Diabetic Association warns that ketosis the process to which Atkins credits the success of the low-carb diet "is an abnormal body process that occurs during starvation due to lack of carbohydrates. . . . Potential long-term side effects of ketosis include heart disease, bone loss, and kidney damage." (Id. ¶ 56).
Gorran maintains that he would not have followed the Diet had defendants not misled him that these warnings were incorrect or false. (Id. ¶ 54). Though he has returned to normal health, Gorran is at risk for future surgical procedures should the stent stop functioning. (Id. ¶ 58).
Gorran does not state whether he lost weight while on the Diet.
B. Prior Proceedings
On May 26, 2004, Gorran filed this complaint in the County Court for Palm Beach County, Florida, against defendants, asserting claims for products liability, negligent misrepresentation, and violation of Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act ("FDUTPA").[4] (Wargo Decl. ¶ 3). Defendants made four motions to dismiss or for summary judgment, but the Florida court denied them all. (Id. ¶¶ 4, 5, 7, 8). On November 22, 2004, after the second of those motions was filed, defendants filed their answer to the complaint. (Id. ¶ 6).
On July 31, 2005, ANI commenced voluntary bankruptcy proceedings in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. (Id. ¶¶ 8, 9). The Florida action was thereby stayed as to ANI pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 362. (Id. ¶ 9). On November 1, 2005, defendants *323 removed the action to the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida. (Id. ¶ 10). The action was then transferred to this Court, by stipulation of the parties, on November 22, 2005. (Id.). The stay was lifted on January 10, 2006. (Id. ¶ 11).
These motions followed.
DISCUSSION
Gorran asserts three claims, which I discuss in turn: (a) products liability, (b) negligent misrepresentation, and (c) deceptive conduct in violation of FDUTPA.
A. Products Liability
Gorran brings a products liability claim for personal injury. Specifically, he alleges that defendants' products books, food products, nutritional supplements, minerals, and herbs "are defective and unreasonably dangerous, in that the [D]iet and the [D]iet advice put at least a substantial minority of persons purchasing the products and following the [D]iet at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and other illnesses." (Compl.¶¶ 68, 70).
Florida law adopts the theory of products liability set forth in Section 402A of the Second Restatement of Torts. See Samuel Friedland Family Enters. v. Amoroso, 630 So. 2d 1067, 1068 (Fla.1994); West v. Caterpillar Tractor Co., 336 So. 2d 80, 84 (Fla.1976) (quoting § 402A). Under Section 402A,
[o]ne who sells any product in a defective condition unreasonably dangerous to the user or consumer . . . is subject to liability for physical harm thereby caused to the ultimate user or consumer . . . if (a) the seller is engaged in the business of selling such a product, and (b) it is expected to and does reach the user or consumer without substantial change in the condition in which it is sold.
Restatement (Second) Torts § 402A (1965). A product is considered defective if "it `is, at the time it leaves the seller's hands, in a condition not contemplated by the ultimate consumer, but which will be unreasonably dangerous to him.'" Bruner v. Anheuser-Busch, Inc., 153 F. Supp. 2d 1358, 1360 (S.D.Fla.2001), aff'd, 31 Fed. Appx. 932 (11th Cir.2002) (interpreting Florida law and quoting Restatement (Second) of Torts § 402A, cmt. g).
Defendants argue that Gorran has failed to state a products liability claim because (1) the food products are not defective or unreasonably dangerous, and (2) the Book is not a "product" for purposes of product liability. I address each argument in turn.
1. Food Products
Section 402A of the Second Restatement of Torts clarifies that certain "products cannot possibly be made entirely safe for all consumption, and any food or drug necessarily involves some risk of harm, if only from over-consumption." Restatement (Second) of Torts § 402A cmt. i; see also Bruner, 153 F.Supp.2d at 1360. Thus, when a food product is sold in a condition anticipated by the consumer, it is not defective or unreasonably dangerous solely because it may negatively impact an individual's health. Bruner, 153 F.Supp.2d at 1360-61 (rejecting plaintiff's products liability claim that beer was defective); accord Pelman v. McDonald's Corp., 237 F. Supp. 2d 512, 532 (S.D.N.Y. 2003) ("the Complaint must allege either that the attributes of [the food] products are so extraordinarily unhealthy that they are outside the reasonable contemplation of the consuming public or that the products are so extraordinarily unhealthy as to be dangerous in their intended use.").
Rather, a food product is defective or unreasonably dangerous when it is in a condition not anticipated by the consumer. *324 See Olliver v. Heavenly Bagels, Inc., 189 Misc. 2d 125, 729 N.Y.S.2d 611, 613 (Sup. Ct.2001) ("Where, as here, a product by its very nature has a dangerous attribute, liability is imposed only when the product has an attribute not reasonably contemplated by the purchaser or is unreasonably dangerous for its intended use."). As comment (i) of the Second Restatement explains, "[g]ood butter is not unreasonably dangerous merely because, if such be the case, it deposits cholesterol in the arteries and leads to heart attacks; but bad butter, contaminated with poisonous fish oil, is unreasonably dangerous." Restatement (Second) of Torts § 402A cmt. i.
To the extent Gorran's products liability claim is based on his consumption of food products, it fails. First, the allegations cannot support a finding that the food products were defective or unreasonably dangerous for purposes of products liability law. Contrary to Gorran's allegations, a food product is not defective because it increases the risk of heart disease. See Restatement (Second) Torts § 402A cmt. i. Moreover, Gorran has not alleged any facts that would lead to the conclusion that the food products sold by defendants were defective as defined by products liability law; there is no allegation that the food products were not in a condition anticipated by the average consumer. The average consumer surely anticipated that a high-fat, high-protein diet would increase both cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease.
In analogous cases brought against alcohol manufacturers under Florida law, courts have dismissed products liability claims, relying on comment (g) of the Second Restatement of Torts. For example, in Victory Over Addiction Int'l, Inc. v. Am. Brands, Inc., the court interpreted comment (g) as implying "that products . . . intended for human consumption are not unreasonably dangerous and thus are not defective without warnings even though they may, over a period of time, cause harm which results from commonly-appreciated risks associated with those products." No. 97 Civ. 14489, ___ F.Supp.2d ___, ___, 1998 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 23542, at *4-5 (S.D.Fla.1998).
Second, even assuming the food products here could be considered unreasonably dangerous over an extended period of time, Gorran alleges only that he purchased $25 worth of defendants' products. Gorran's consumption of $25 worth of protein bars, pancake mix, and pancake syrup was not sufficient, as a matter of law, to have caused his arterial blockage.
To the extent plaintiff's products liability claim is based on food products sold by defendants, it fails.
2. The Book
Gorran's products liability claim is also deficient to the extent it is based on the Book, for the Book is not a "product."
Products liability law focuses on "the tangible world." Winter v. G.P. Putnam's Sons, 938 F.2d 1033, 1034 (9th Cir. 1991); Restatement (Third) of Torts § 19(a) (1998) (defining product as "tangible personal property distributed commercially for use or consumption"). Thus, a defect in a book's tangible qualities the cover, pages, and binding could potentially give rise to a products liability action. See Cardozo v. True, 342 So. 2d 1053, 1056 (Fla.2d Dist.Ct.App.1977) (distinguishing between tangible and intangible aspects of a book). The intangible qualities of a book, however the ideas and expressions are not products for purposes of products liability law. Winter, 938 F.2d at 1034; Restatement (Third) of Torts § 19(a) cmt. d (noting that books are "intangible personal property"). Imposing liability for physical injuries caused by the *325 ideas contained in a book would "inhibit those who wish to share thoughts and theories," for no author would write on a topic that could potentially result in physical injury to the reader. Winter, 938 F.2d 1033, 1035; see, e.g., Jones v. J.B. Lippincott Co., 694 F. Supp. 1216, 1217 (D.Md. 1988) (dismissing products liability action against medical textbook publisher where student suffered injury after taking enema described in textbook, and stating that "[n]o case has extended Section 402A to the dissemination of an idea or knowledge in books") (citing Gertz v. Robert Welch, Inc., 418 U.S. 323, 94 S. Ct. 2997, 41 L. Ed. 2d 789 (1974)); Walter v. Bauer, 109 Misc. 2d 189, 439 N.Y.S.2d 821, 822-23 (Sup.Ct.1981) (holding that publisher of science textbook not strictly liable for injury sustained by student while performing experiment described in textbook).
On facts similar to those here, the court in Smith v. Linn, 386 Pa.Super. 392, 563 A.2d 123, 126-27 (Pa.Super.Ct.1989), aff'd, 526 Pa. 447, 587 A.2d 309 (Pa.1991), held that a diet book is not a product for purposes of products liability. There, the publisher of a diet book entitled The Last Chance Diet was sued following the death of a woman who suffered cardiac failure allegedly as a result of following the book's liquid protein diet. The court rejected the plaintiff's argument that the diet book was a defective product within the meaning of § 402A of the Second Restatement of Torts. Here, too, because the intangible expressions contained in the Book are not products, Gorran's products liability claim, to the extent it is based on the Book, also fails.
B. Negligent Misrepresentation
To state a claim for negligent misrepresentation under Florida law, a plaintiff must allege that: (1) the defendant made a misrepresentation of material fact; (2) the defendant was negligent in making the statement because he should have known the representation was false; (3) the defendant intended to induce the plaintiff to rely on the misrepresentation; and (4) injury resulted to the plaintiff by his justifiable reliance on the misrepresentation. Romo v. Amedex Ins. Co., 930 So. 2d 643, 653 (Fla.3d Dist.Ct.App.2006).
Gorran alleges that defendants misrepresented the risks of the Diet, defendants were negligent in minimizing the risks of the Diet, defendants intended to induce him to rely on the purported misrepresentations, and his reliance on these statements resulted in his need for heart surgery. Thus, Gorran has alleged the four elements of misrepresentation. Defendants nevertheless argue that Gorran has failed to state a claim, arguing that (1) he has not alleged that defendants owed him a duty of care, and (2) the purported misrepresentations are protected speech under the First Amendment. I discuss each argument in turn.
1. Duty of Care
Defendants argue that Gorran has failed to allege that they owed him a duty of care. Gorran responds that the majority of Florida courts do not require a plaintiff to allege a duty of care to state a claim for negligent misrepresentation.
Gorran's argument fails. The Florida Supreme Court has clarified that "ordinary rules of negligence apply" to claims of negligent misrepresentation. Gilchrist Timber Co. v. ITT Rayonier, Inc., 696 So. 2d 334, 337 (Fla.1997) (holding that cause of action for negligent misrepresentation exists under Florida law and comparative negligence rules apply). Thus, a plaintiff must allege that defendant owed him a duty to state a claim for negligent representation, ZP No. 54 Ltd. P'ship v. Fid. Deposit Co. of Maryland, 917 So. 2d 368, 374 (Fla. 5th Dist.Ct.App. *326 2005), for "there is no reason to differentiate negligent misrepresentations from any other forms of negligence." Gilchrist Timber, 696 So.2d at 338; see also Mosby v. Harrell, 909 So. 2d 323, 327 (Fla. 1st Dist.Ct.App.2005) ("To state a claim for negligence under Florida law, a plaintiff must allege a duty of care owed by the defendant to the plaintiff. . . . ").
Plaintiff points to several Florida cases that do not explicitly require plaintiff to allege a duty of care. See Romo, 930 So.2d at 653; Baggett v. Electricians Local 915 Credit Union, 620 So. 2d 784, 786 (Fla.2d Dist.Ct.App.1993); Wallerstein v. Hosp. Corp. of America, 573 So. 2d 9, 10 (Fla. 4th Dist.Ct.App.1991). These cases are inapposite. In each, the duty of care was apparent on its face.
In this case, plaintiff has not alleged that defendants owed him a duty of care. Hence, he fails to state a claim for negligent misrepresentation. Moreover, even if plaintiff had properly alleged that defendants owed him a duty of care, as discussed below, the claim fails for other reasons as well.
2. The First Amendment
Negligent misrepresentation claims and other actions based on a defendant's allegedly false speech must be reconciled with the First Amendment, for "[c]onstitutional protection does not turn upon the truth . . . of the ideas and beliefs which are offered.'" Oxycal Labs., Inc. v. Jeffers, 909 F. Supp. 719, 724 (S.D.Cal. 1995) (quoting New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, 376 U.S. 254, 271-72, 84 S. Ct. 710, 11 L. Ed. 2d 686 (1964)). "The First Amendment protects public debate on matters of public discourse, including scientific matters." McMillan v. Togus Reg'l Office, Dep't of Veteran Affairs, 294 F. Supp. 2d 305, 316 (E.D.N.Y.2003), aff'd, 120 Fed.Appx. 849 (2d Cir.2005). Courts cannot inquire into the validity of scientific works, for "[a]ny unnecessary intervention by the courts in the complex debate and interplay among the scientists that comprises modern science can only distort and confuse." Id. at 317.
"[T]he level of First Amendment protection afforded a party `depends on whether the activity sought to be regulated constitutes commercial or noncommercial speech.'" World Wrestling Fed'n Entm't, Inc. v. Bozell, 142 F. Supp. 2d 514, 524 (S.D.N.Y.2001) (quoting Bolger v. Youngs Drug Prods., Corp., 463 U.S. 60, 65, 103 S. Ct. 2875, 77 L. Ed. 2d 469 (1983)). Commercial speech is afforded a lesser degree of protection than other constitutionally safeguarded forms of expression, such as political speech. World Wrestling, 142 F.Supp.2d at 524 (citing Dun & Bradstreet, Inc. v. Greenmoss Builders, Inc., 472 U.S. 749, 758 n. 5, 105 S. Ct. 2939, 86 L. Ed. 2d 593 (1985)). Commercial speech that is false or misleading is afforded no First Amendment protection at all. Goldberg v. Cablevision Sys. Corp., 261 F.3d 318, 327 (2d Cir.2001) (citing Cent. Hudson Gas & Elec. Corp. v. Public Serv. Comm'n of New York, 447 U.S. 557, 566, 100 S. Ct. 2343, 65 L. Ed. 2d 341 (1980); Virginia State Bd. of Pharmacy v. Virginia Citizens Consumer Council, Inc., 425 U.S. 748, 771-73, 96 S. Ct. 1817, 48 L. Ed. 2d 346 (1976)).
Commercial speech has been defined as that which "does no more than propose a commercial transaction." World Wrestling, 142 F.Supp.2d at 525 (quoting New York State Ass'n of Realtors, Inc. v. Shaffer, 27 F.3d 834, 840 (2d Cir.1994)). In determining whether speech is commercial, the Court considers three factors: (1) whether the communication is an advertisement, (2) whether the communication refers to a specific product or service, and (3) whether the speaker has an economic motivation for the speech. Id. (quoting *327 Procter & Gamble Co. v. Amway Corp., 242 F.3d 539, 552 (5th Cir.2001)).
Defendants argue that the content in the Book and on the Website is noncommercial speech fully protected under the First Amendment and, thus, cannot form the basis for a claim of negligent misrepresentation. Gorran, on the other hand, contends that the Book and the Website serve as advertisements for defendants' products. I first address the Book and then consider the Website.
a. The Book
I hold that the Book is noncommercial speech entitled to full First Amendment protection, for it does more than merely propose commercial transactions. The Book is not an advertisement for defendants' products; rather, it is a guide to leading a controlled carbohydrate lifestyle. The Book discusses, among other things, how the Diet works, why weight loss occurs, general nutritional guidelines, and disease prevention. Much of this discussion is scientific in nature. The fact that the Book, within its several hundred pages,[5] contains several references to defendants' products and services does not transform the Book into commercial speech. Furthermore, any financial gain that accrues to defendants from sales of the Book does not support the conclusion that the Book is commercial speech. It is well settled that the mere fact that there is an underlying economic motivation in one's activity does not turn that activity into commercial speech. See Bolger, 463 U.S. at 67, 103 S. Ct. 2875 (citations omitted).
The Smith court similarly accorded First Amendment protection to the diet book there, rejecting the plaintiff's argument that no protection should lie for a "false and dangerous diet book" that compromised the life and health of an individual. 563 A.2d at 125. In that case, as here, the plaintiff could point to no established exception that deprived the book of First Amendment protection.
Plaintiff's negligent misrepresentation claim, to the extent it relies on the Book, is denied.
b. The Website
ANI maintains that the Website content is "purely opinion" that is protected by the First Amendment and therefore immune from a negligent representation claim. (ANI Mem. at 14). Plaintiff responds that the Website "functions as an electronic store to promote various [D]iet-related food products" and its content is, and was in 2001, commercial speech. (Pl.'s Mem. at 26).
Applying the factors set forth in Procter & Gamble, I hold that the Website contains both commercial and noncommercial speech. Upon navigating to the Website, the user is taken to a page that prominently displays the ANI "Atkins Advantage" brand name. By clicking on "Products" on the main menu bar, the user has the option to learn about the "superior nutrition and taste" of the Atkins Advantage product line and compare Atkins Advantage products to competing brands; by clicking on "Shop," the user can purchase the products. These aspects of the Website clearly propose commercial transactions. The Website also, however, contains a wealth of information on how to follow the Diet and recommendations for optimizing health and nutrition. (See, e.g., Compl. Exs. B, F, J, K). The main menu bar, in addition to carrying the "Products" and "Shop" links, allows the user to navigate to *328 pages entitled "Superior Nutrition," "Atkins Nutritional Approach," "Recipes," and "Learning Center." These portions of the Website are non-commercial, providing the user with not only information on the Diet, but also general guidance on weight loss and healthy living.
The fact that the Website includes commercial content does not provide grounds for relief. The basis of plaintiffs claim is that defendants made misrepresentations on the Website that it was safe for dieters to follow the Diet, so long as they restricted their carbohydrate intake. As the complaint and the exhibits thereto make clear, plaintiff does not premise liability on any commercial transaction proposed on the Website, but, rather, on the Website's general advice pertaining to the Diet. Because plaintiff's complaints relate solely to the non-commercial aspects of the Website speech that is afforded full First Amendment protection this claim is dismissed.
C. FDUTPA
FDUTPA prohibits "[u]nfair methods of competition, unconscionable acts or practices, and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the conduct of any trade of commerce." Fla. Stat. § 501.204(1) (2006). Gorran alleges that defendants have violated FDUTPA by (1) promoting the Diet and products as safe for all customers "when they well knew that, for at least a substantial minority of their customers, the [D]iet and their products carried potential serious risks," (2) failing to give adequate warnings about the adverse health consequences of the Diet, and (3) claiming that the Diet was "fool-proof" and a guaranteed success "when they well knew that there would be people for whom the [D]iet would not be safe." (Compl.¶ 78). In addition to damages in the amount of $40.45 the cost of the 1999 and 2002 editions of the Book, plus $25 worth of ANI products Gorran seeks an injunction requiring defendants to place warnings on all Atkins-related books, websites, and products. (Id. ¶¶ 84, 85). He proposes the following warnings:
WARNING LOW-CARBOHYDRATE DIETS MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH CHECK WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN.
WARNING LOW CARBOHYDRATE DIETS CAN INCREASE THE LEVEL OF LDL ("BAD") CHOLESTEROL IN YOUR BLOOD.
(Id. ¶ 85).
1. Applicable Law
To state a claim under FDUTPA, a plaintiff must allege that the conduct complained of was unfair or deceptive, and must also allege facts sufficient to show that the plaintiff was actually aggrieved by the alleged conduct in the course of trade or commerce. Florida Office of the Attorney General, Dep't of Legal Affairs v. Tenet Healthcare Corp., 420 F. Supp. 2d 1288, 1309 (S.D.Fla.2005); Shibata v. Lim, 133 F. Supp. 2d 1311, 1317 (M.D.Fla.2000). "In other words, a consumer claim for relief under FDUTPA has three elements: (1) a deceptive act or unfair practice; (2) causation; and (3) actual damages." Rollins, Inc. v. Butland, 932 So. 2d 1172, 1180 (Fla.2d Dist.Ct.App.2006). The statute does not define what actual damages are, but the measure of actual damages has been defined as:
[T]he difference in the market value of the product or service in the condition in which it was delivered and its market value in the condition in which it should have been delivered according to the contract of the parties. . . . A notable exception to the rule may exist when the product is rendered valueless as a result of the defect then the purchase price is *329 the appropriate measure of actual damages.
Id. (citations omitted). FDUTPA does not apply to a "claim for personal injury or death or a claim for damage to property other than the property that is the subject of the consumer transaction" at issue. Fla. Stat. § 501.212(3); T.W.M. v. Am. Med. Sys., Inc., 886 F. Supp. 842, 844 (N.D.Fla.1995).
2. Application
As an initial matter, for the reasons set forth above, defendants' conduct was not unfair or deceptive, and defendants' Diet advice and ideas are protected by the First Amendment.
Moreover, Gorran's alleged damages are not recoverable under FDUTPA. He asserts that the cost of the food products he purchased from ANI and the 1999 and 2002 Editions of the Book are the damages he suffered for which FDUTPA provides relief. This assertion, however, is belied by the whole of the complaint. The thrust of Gorran's complaint is that had defendants not misled him into believing that the Diet was safe for everyone, he would never have followed the Diet and would never have suffered cardiac blockage and, consequently, severe pain, and physical and emotional distress. (See Compl. ¶¶ 54, 57). Thus, the true damages that Gorran seeks are for personal injury, but such damages are not recoverable under FDUTPA.
Florida courts have made clear that the only damages compensable under FDUTPA are "economic damages related solely to a product or service purchased in a consumer transaction infected with unfair or deceptive trade practices or acts." Delgado v. J.W. Courtesy Pontiac GMC-Truck, Inc., 693 So. 2d 602, 606 (Fla.2d Dist.Ct.App.1997); see Montgomery v. New Piper Aircraft, Inc., 209 F.R.D. 221, 229 (S.D.Fla.2002) ("Under FDUTPA, recoverable damages are limited to the market value diminution [of the purchased product or service] caused by the deceptive trade practice."). FDUTPA expressly states that it does not apply to a claim for personal injury. Fla. Stat. § 501.212(3); see, e.g., T.W.M., 886 F.Supp. at 844 (dismissing FDUTPA claim premised on bodily injury and pain and suffering resulting from plaintiff's purchase of defective penile implant). Gorran has not alleged facts sufficient to show that defendants' alleged unfair or deceptive practices caused a diminution in the value of the products that he purchased. Accordingly, the FDUTPA claim is dismissed.
CONCLUSION
For the foregoing reasons, defendants' motions for judgment on the pleadings are granted, and the complaint is dismissed in its entirety, with prejudice and costs but without fees. The Clerk of the Court shall enter judgment accordingly.
SO ORDERED.
NOTES
[1] Gorran purchased both the 1999 and 2002 editions of the Book. (Compl.¶ 84). Various pages of the Book are attached as exhibits to the complaint, and the complaint relies heavily upon and quotes extensively from the Book. Therefore, in ruling on these motions, I consider both editions of the Book, see Chambers v. Time Warner, Inc., 282 F.3d 147, 153 (2d Cir.2002), which are attached as Exhibits A and B to the Declaration of William A. Wargo, dated April 3, 2006 ("Wargo Decl."). In addition, the complaint extensively quotes the Website and incorporates it by reference. Pages from the Website are attached as exhibits to the complaint as well.
[2] The Court notes that it has had success with its own, much simpler diet, which can be described in four words: "Run more, eat less."
[3] The American Heart Association categorizes cholesterol levels as follows: less than 200 mg/dL is "desirable"; 200-239 mg/dL is "borderline high risk"; and 240 mg/dL and over is "high risk." What Are Healthy Levels of Cholesterol?, http://www. americanheart. org/presenter.jhtml? identifier = 183 (last visited Dec. 11, 2006).
[4] Gorran is represented by Daniel Kinburn, Esq., associate general counsel for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine ("PCRM"), a non-profit organization comprised of "[d]octors and laypersons working together for compassionate and effective medical practice, research, and health promotion." http://www.perm.org (last visited Dec. 11, 2006). PCRM's website features a number of articles criticizing the Diet, including articles discussing this case. PCRM encourages dieters who may have had health problems while on a low-carbohydrate diet to register on a website it maintains, www. AtkinsDietAlert.org.
[5] The hardcover 1999 Edition is 348 pages long, and the paperback 2002 Edition is 540 pages long. (See Wargo Decl. Exs. A & B).