there is no specific law that explicitly prohibits U.S. government departments from endorsing consumer products. However, there are regulations and guidelines in place that restrict government agencies and their employees from engaging in activities that may imply or appear to endorse a commercial product or company.
The primary law that governs the conduct of federal employees is the Code of Federal Regulations (5 CFR Part 2635), specifically the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch. This code provides general principles and standards of conduct that apply to federal employees, including restrictions on endorsing products.
Under 5 CFR ยง 2635.702, employees are generally prohibited from using their official positions to endorse any product, service, or company. This is to prevent the misuse of their positions for private gain and to ensure public trust in the impartiality and integrity of government decision-making.
Additionally, there are regulations in place within specific government departments and agencies that may further define and restrict the endorsement of consumer products by their employees. These internal policies are often developed to avoid any potential conflicts of interest or the appearance of preferential treatment towards a particular company or product.
It's important to note that while there might not be an outright ban on government department endorsements of consumer products, the regulations and guidelines are designed to ensure a clear separation between official government duties and any private interests, including commercial endorsements. Violations of these ethical standards can result in disciplinary actions for the involved employees.
Keep in mind that laws and regulations are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check for any updates or changes beyond my last knowledge update in 2023.