Recalls & Warnings
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Posted April 28, 2020
Ten Multi-Level Marketing Companies Warned for Coronavirus and Deceptive Earnings Claims
On April 24, 2020, the FTC announced that it sent warning letters to ten multi-level marketing companies for selling products such as essential oils and immune system boosters with unsupported claims that they can treat coronavirus (COVID-19) and/or for misrespresenting potential earnings people who have recently lost income can make by selling their products.
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 for both health and earnings claims include the following (use the links below to read the full warning letter):
One company that received a warning letter for health claims:
Companies that received a warning letter for earnings claims related to coronavirus: Products were promoted with statements such as "With all the concerns over the COVID-9 Coronavirus Instead of stockpiling toilet paper, you need to do something to help you fight the virus! Boost your immune system with our Immunity Boost Pack!" and "HOW WILL YOU FIGHT OFF CORONA? USE NUTRABURST-CHAGA-."
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 ConsumerLab's answer to the question: What are natural remedies for coronavirus (COVID-19)? Do supplements like zinc, vitamin C, or herbals work?
For more information, use the link below.
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 for both health and earnings claims include the following (use the links below to read the full warning letter):
- doTERRA International, LLC (essential oil products)
- Pruvit Ventures, Inc. (Immunity Boost Pack, essential oil products)
- Total Life Changes, LLC (Nutra Burst Liquid Vitamins)
- Tranont (Nitric Oxide, Techno Boost, Restore)
- Modere, Inc. (The Modere Solution)
- Arbonne International, LLC (Immunity Support)
One company that received a warning letter for health claims:
- Zurvita, Inc. (Zeal)
Companies that received a warning letter for earnings claims related to coronavirus: Products were promoted with statements such as "With all the concerns over the COVID-9 Coronavirus Instead of stockpiling toilet paper, you need to do something to help you fight the virus! Boost your immune system with our Immunity Boost Pack!" and "HOW WILL YOU FIGHT OFF CORONA? USE NUTRABURST-CHAGA-."
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 ConsumerLab's answer to the question: What are natural remedies for coronavirus (COVID-19)? Do supplements like zinc, vitamin C, or herbals work?
For more information, use the link below.