FTC Sends 21 Letters Warning Marketers to Stop Making Unsupported Claims That Their Products and Therapies Can Effectively Treat Coronavirus
Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is making consumers aware that the Federal Trade Commission announced that it has sent 21 additional letters warning marketers throughout the United States to stop making unsubstantiated claims that their products and therapies can treat or prevent coronavirus (COVID-19).
The FTC previously sent warning letters to the sellers of supplements including colloidal silver, teas, essential oils, and other products pitched as scientifically proven coronavirus treatments. The newest letters, however, address a wider range of products and supposed treatments, including some that may appear more medically sophisticated to consumers, such as acupuncture, intravenous (IV) “therapies” with high doses of Vitamin C, ozone therapy, and purported stem cell treatments. However, according to the FTC, there is currently no scientific evidence that these products or services can treat or cure coronavirus.
The FTC sent the letters to the companies and individuals listed below, and the recipients are grouped based on the type of therapy, product, or service they pitched to supposedly prevent or treat coronavirus disease.
General Therapy Products, Vitamins, and Supplements
- Abundant Life Wellness Center (homeopathic dilutions)
- Alkaline for Life at the Center for Better Bones (high-dose Vitamin C)
- Blessed Maine Herb Farm (herbal therapy)
- Ethos Natural Medicine LLC (Kratom tablets and powders)
- Fast Relief Acupuncture (acupuncture and herbal therapy)
- Greenbelt Outdoors (high-dose Vitamin C)
- Jiva Med Spa (supplements)
- Personal Health Shop (elderberry)
- REVIV (high-dose Vitamin C)
IV Therapy and Related Treatments
- Absolute Health Clinic (IV Vitamin C; stem cell therapy)
- AwareMed (IV therapy)
- Liquivida Lounge (IV therapy; Vitamin C)
- Merge Medical Center
- Prana IV Therapy (IV Vitamin C)
- Vidaful Medicine (IV Vitamin C; stem cell therapy; ozone therapy)
- Windhorse Naturopathic Clinic (IV Vitamin C)
Ozone Therapy
Stem Cell Therapy
In the letters, the FTC states that one or more of the efficacy claims made by the marketers are unsubstantiated, because they are not supported by scientific evidence, and therefore violate the FTC Act. The letters advise the recipients to immediately cease making all claims that their products can treat or cure coronavirus and to notify the FTC within 48 hours about the specific actions they have taken to address the agency’s concerns.
The letters note that if the false claims do not cease, the FTC may seek a federal court injunction and an order requiring money to be refunded to consumers.
The letters are the latest round of warnings the FTC has sent to sellers of products pitched as able treat or prevent coronavirus. The FTC also has sent letters to several Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers, warning them that it is illegal to aid or facilitate the transmission of pre-recorded telemarketing robocalls pitching supposed coronavirus-related products or services.
Source: Federal Trade Commission – FTC.gov