FTC Announces Latest Round of Letters Warning Companies to Cease Unsupported Claims that Their Products Can Treat or Prevent Coronavirus
The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) has taken further action to combat misleading claims related to products purportedly capable of treating or preventing COVID-19. On April 14, 2020, the FTC announced it had sent warning letters to ten companies, both domestic and international, urging them to stop making unsubstantiated claims about their products. These companies offered a range of items, including an “ANTI-VIRUS KIT,” high-dose Vitamin C intravenous therapies, and facial brushes marketed as capable of fighting the virus.
The FTC emphasized that there is currently no scientifically proven product that can treat or prevent COVID-19, echoing statements from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The agency has previously warned sellers of various supplements, but the latest letters address an even broader array of products. Among the claims scrutinized were assertions that certain sound frequencies could heal or that regular doses of Vitamin C could prevent the virus.
The letters highlight that these marketing claims lack scientific support, violating the FTC Act. Companies were instructed to immediately cease their misleading claims and to inform the FTC of the actions they have taken within 48 hours. The FTC warned that failure to comply could lead to federal court action, including potential refunds to consumers. This latest round of warnings continues the FTC's coordinated efforts with the FDA to address deceptive practices during the pandemic, which have included over 25 previous warning letters targeting similar products.
For more information, see here: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/04/letters-warning-companies-cease-unsupported-coronavirus-claims
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