It’s FTC Advertising 101: Don’t make statements about a serious medical condition unless you have solid evidence to substantiate what you’re saying. This has been the law for decades, and now more than ever it is important that advertisers adhere to this fundamental principle. Yet some companies are still selling products ranging from facial brushes to IVs with promises to prevent, treat or cure the coronavirus — something the Federal Trade Commission is questioning in a new round of warning letters.
These ten companies just received letters from FTC staff, in addition to other warning letters sent to companies filing coronavirus claims in recent weeks.
Miami Bioenergy Health Center. The Florida company claims on its website that the device it sells emits sound at frequencies “targeted for coronavirus/SARS virus infection and may be used for home prevention or when flu-like symptoms occur,” the FTC said. . ”.
FACE LIFE LIMITED. The Miami Beach business is marketing its “Face Vital Sonic Silicone Facial Brush” as a way to “fight the coronavirus,” and suggests consumers can “enhance your beauty by using its products,” according to the FTC and cleaning protocols to combat coronavirus”.
Wright Air International. The Swedish company claims on its website: “Coronavirus can be spread through the air in a variety of ways… IonFlow air purifiers are scientifically proven to be effective in preventing the spread of airborne viruses.”
MedQuick Laboratories LLC. According to a statement posted by the Arkansas company on its Facebook page, “The coronavirus, like the flu, has everyone going crazy right now. One of the best things you can do is make sure your immune system is ready to fight off anything nasty. Stuff. Boost your immune system with our improved immune boosting drops! You can wash your hands all day long, but one of the best ways to prevent any illness is to boost your immune system, and the best way to do that is by combining vitamin C and other Immunity-boosting vitamins are injected directly into your bloodstream.”
New Performance Nutrition. The warning letter to the Los Angeles business quotes the company’s statement on its website: “NPN ANTI-VIRUS KIT is a set of immune defense supplements carefully selected by NPN owner/founder Matt Mahowald that will target and strengthen your immune system. Immunity helps protect against the COVID-19 virus.”
PURATHRIVE LIMITED. The Colorado company’s website promotes its liposomal vitamin C product, claiming that “experts in the field recommend taking vitamin C regularly to help prevent coronavirus.” . . . “Immediate and widespread use of high-dose vitamin C could significantly slow or completely stop the spread of the coronavirus. Vitamin C, taken at intestinal tolerance levels in divided doses throughout the day, is a clinically proven antiviral drug unparalleled.”
REVIVAL MEDICAL SPA LIMITED. The warning letter to businesses in Arlington, Texas, cites Facebook and Instagram posts and says: “A growing body of research shows that high doses of vitamin C can both prevent and treat Covid-19. Whether you are Experiencing symptoms or trying to avoid getting sick, call us today to schedule an appointment for a high-dose vitamin C plus immune booster IV infusion.”
Rocky Mountain IV Medical Team. The Colorado company promotes its IV therapy through social media and its website, using the following statement: “Testing to treat coronavirus symptoms is underway, and IV vitamin C therapy is starting to show promising results! If you’re looking for an IV Injectable vitamin C therapy, we can provide appointment services as soon as possible.” The website also links to an article stating that “The Shanghai Medical Association has issued an expert consensus statement on comprehensive treatment of COVID-19, supporting the use of high-dose intravenous vitamin C to treat COVID-19. Treat the disease.”
Suki Distribution Pte Ltd The Singapore-based company said on its website, “As the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic spreads around the world, our customers are asking whether our products can help prevent or treat the coronavirus. The good news is that several of our This product may play a role in boosting the immune system or fighting the coronavirus.” The website further describes one product as a “safe Japanese drug with anti-coronavirus effects,” with laboratory studies concluding that the activity is said to be The ingredient stephanatine “can be used to prevent and treat coronavirus infections in humans.”
Vita activates. According to the warning letter, the Canadian company claims on its website that its natural chaga “protects against invaders such as the coronavirus. It can effectively boost immunity with just a few sprays per day… and is rich in anti-coronavirus properties.” of magnesium, zinc and selenium. Get ready to fight bacteria and harmful airborne illnesses with powerful antiviral, antibacterial chaga mushrooms.”
The letters require the companies to ensure they have stopped making claims about coronavirus prevention, treatment or cure for the products mentioned. Here are examples of what these letters might look like:
This is illegal under the Federal Trade Commission Act. . . Claim that a product can prevent, treat or cure human disease unless you have sufficient and reliable scientific evidence, including (where appropriate) rigorously controlled human clinical studies, to substantiate the claim as true at the time it is made. Regarding COVID-19, there are currently no such studies on the above mentioned products. Therefore, any coronavirus-related prevention or treatment claims regarding such products are not supported by sufficient and reliable scientific evidence. You must immediately cease making all such claims.
The ten coronavirus warning letters follow the seven FTC-FDA letters announced on March 9 and more joint warning letters issued since then. The message to marketers should be clear and unmistakable. No matter what pill, potion, device or other product your company promotes (including through social media), if you suggest or imply coronavirus prevention or treatment claims, your practices will attract scrutiny from the Federal Trade Commission.
