FTC v. Marc Ching (Whole Leaf Organics, Thrive) (COVID-19 Marketing)

Marc Ching, In the Matter of

LAST UPDATED: OCTOBER 19, 2020

In the Matter of Marc Ching, individually, and also doing business as Whole Leaf Organics.

CASE STATUS: Pending

FTC MATTER/FILE NUMBER: 202 3110

DOCKET NUMBER: 9394

RELATED CASE: Whole Leaf Organics

 

CASE SUMMARY

In response to an FTC complaint, in April 2020, a California-based marketer of a supplement consisting mainly of Vitamin C and herbal extracts has agreed to a preliminary order barring him from claiming that it is effective at treating, preventing, or reducing the risk of COVID-19. Pending the resolution of a parallel administrative case, the proposed preliminary order also bars Marc Ching, doing business as Whole Leaf Organics, from claiming that three CBD-based products he sells are effective cancer treatments. The Commission approved the final administrative order in this case in October 2020.

 

CASE TIMELINE

October 19, 2020

Letter to Commenter Anonymous

Decision and Order (201.4 KB)PRESS RELEASE: FTC Approves Final Administrative Consent Order with Marketer of Product Falsely Claiming to Prevent or Treat COVID-19

 

July 16, 2020

Federal Register Notice Containing Analysis to Aid Public Comment

 

July 10, 2020

Agreement Containing Consent Order

Decision and Order

Attachments A-C

Analysis of Consent Order to Aid Public Comment

Administrative Part 3 Complaint

PRESS RELEASE: FTC Order Stops the Marketer of “Thrive” Supplement from Making Baseless Claims It Can Treat, Prevent, or Reduce the Risks from COVID-19

 

May 28, 2020

Commission Order Withdrawing Matter From Adjudication for the Purpose of Considering a Proposed Consent Agreement

 

May 18, 2020

Complaint Counsel Consent Motion to Withdraw Matter from Adjudication for the Purpose of Considering a Proposed Consent Agreement

 

May 8, 2020

Commission's Order Regarding Scheduling in Light of the Public Health Emergency

 

May 6, 2020

Notice of Appearance Filed by Complaint Counsel Tawana Davis

 

April 27, 2020

Administrative Part 3 Complaint

Chief Administrative Law Judge's Order Designating Administrative Law Judge

Administrative Law Judge's Protective Order Governing Confidential Material

PRESS RELEASE: “Thrive” Supplement Marketer Agrees to Preliminary Order Barring Him from Claiming It Can Treat, Prevent, or Reduce the Risks Associated with COVID-19

 

For more information, see here:  https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/cases-proceedings/202-3110/marc-ching-matter

 

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