P.M. BRIEFING : Phoenix Cookie Claims Crumble

The Phoenix Fiber Cookie that promises weight loss and protection from cancer and other diseases is being removed from store shelves under threat of court action by federal regulators.

Lawyers for Phoenix International Marketing Corp. of Sparks, Nev., said after meeting with Food and Drug Administration officials Tuesday that the cookie will be recalled and distribution of related products halted.

The material distributed about the Phoenix for the Life Weight Control Program claimed that the products were useful in weight control and in maintaining cardiovascular health, could prevent colon cancer and could help people with diabetes forgo medication, the agency said.

The company plans to change the recipe for the cookie and draft new labeling.