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Recalls & Warnings
ConsumerLab.com is keeping you informed with current product recalls and warnings.
Posted April 14, 2020
FTC Warns Companies Selling Immune "Boosters," Vitamin C and More for Coronavirus Claims
On April 14, 2020, the FTC announced that it has sent warning letters to ten companies for selling products such as immune boosters, silicone facial brushes, air purifiers, and intravenous vitamin C with unsupported claims that they can treat coronavirus (COVID-19).
Both the FTC and FDA emphasized that there are currently no approved treatments for the virus and have previously stated: "There currently are no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges or other prescription or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)."
Companies that received a warning letter include the following (use the links below to read the full warning letter):
- Bioenergy Wellness Miami (Corona Virus Immune System Boost Covid19)
- Face Vital LLC (Face Vital Sonic Silicone Facial Brush)
- LightAir International AB (IonFlow air purifiers)
- MedQuick Labs, LLC (Immunity Boost intravenous drip)
- New Performance Nutrition (NPN ANTI-VIRUS KIT)
- PuraTHRIVE LLC (Liposomal Vitamin C)
- Resurgence Medical Spa, LLC (High Dose Vitamin C Plus Immune Booster IV nutrition infusion, Vitamin C Immunity Booster COVID-19 bag intravenous treatment)
- Rocky Mountain IV Medics (Intravenous vitamin C products)
- Suki Distribution Pte. Ltd. (Cepharans)
- Vita Activate (Natural Chaga Mushroom)
Products were promoted with statements such as ""Face Vital Sonic Silicone Facial Brush, Fight off Coronavirus," "The corona virus can in various ways be air-borne... IonFlow air purifiers are scientifically proven to efficiently prevent spread of air-borne viruses," "The coronavirus can be dramatically slowed or stopped completely with the immediate widespread use of high doses of Vitamin C," and "Research is showing that high doses of Vitamin C both help prevent COVID-19 and effectively reduce the symptoms."
The agencies instructed the companies to send an email to rcleland@ftc.gov within 48 hours of receipt of the warning, describing the specific steps they have taken to correct these violations.
See the special COVID-19 section of ConsumerLab's Vitamin C Supplements Review for information about vitamin C and the coronavirus.
Also see ConsumerLab's answer to the question: What are natural remedies for coronavirus (COVID-19)? Do supplements like zinc, vitamin C, or herbals work?
To read the FTC press release, use the link below.
Report a Problem
If you have experienced an unexpected and adverse reaction to a dietary supplement, nutritional product, or generic drug, we would like to hear about it, as we may investigate the problem. Please select from one of these options:
Dietary Supplement or Nutritional Product Problem Report
If you believe that a dietary supplement (e.g., vitamin, mineral, or herbal supplement) or other nutritional product has caused an unexpected, adverse reaction, we would like to know about it. We are collecting and organizing this information and may publish it. We might test the product in the future. You may also want to report the problem to the U.S. FDA through their Safety Reporting Portal at https://www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov.
Please complete the form below as accurately as possible. You may need to check the label on the product.
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Generic Drug Problem Report
If you believe that a generic drug has not acted like the original drug, we would like to know about it. We are collecting and organizing this information and may publish it. We might test the product in the future. You may also want to report the problem to the U.S. FDA through their MedWatch program at the FDA MedWatch website.
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