Supplements Among Online SARS Products Targeted By FDA/FTC
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
FDA and the Federal Trade Commission have issued warnings to 48 Web site operators vending products that claim to protect against, treat or cure Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, the agencies announced May 9
|
FDA and the Federal Trade Commission have issued warnings to 48 Web site operators vending products that claim to protect against, treat or cure Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, the agencies announced May 9. FDA and FTC "are warning Web site operators, manufacturers and distributors...that [the agencies] are aware of no scientific proof for such claims and that the Web site operators must remove any misleading or deceptive claims from the Internet," according to FTC. Among the products being touted online as having protective benefits against SARS are dietary supplements such as colloidal silver and oregano oil, as well as products containing nambu tree oil, beta glucan and thymus proteins, the agencies note. Other products cited include personal air purifiers, disinfectant sprays and wipes, respirator masks and latex gloves, as well "prevention kits" containing several of these items packaged together. The two agencies caution Web site operators and e-mail solicitors "that it is against the law to make claims about SARS protection or treatment, or any other health benefit, without rigorous scientific support." Individuals or companies promoting products that violate the FTC Act could face prosecution and be ordered to make consumer refunds, the commission notes. Firms have seven days to comply with demands set forth in the warnings; the agencies plan to follow up "by revisiting the targeted sites to determine whether [they] have deleted or revised unproven claims." FDA also sent eight separate warning letters to manufacturers and distributors that are making misleading claims, including some dietary supplement firms, the agency said. Both agencies, in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, have released a consumer alert advising the public to be skeptical of products making anti-SARS claims. The alert urges consumers to learn about SARS, practice basic personal hygiene and avoid travel to affected regions. The regulatory action follows a recent advisory from a coalition of five trade associations recommending that marketers and retailers refrain from promoting supplements as a prevention, treatment or cure for SARS (1 (Also see "SARS Prevention, Treatment Claims Inappropriate For Supplements – Industry" - Pink Sheet, 28 Apr, 2003.), p. 17). |