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Posted May 19, 2020

FDA Warns Sellers of CBD, Kratom, Vitamin C, and More for Coronavirus Claims

Between May 11 and May 14, 2020, the FDA issued warning letters to five companies for selling products such as vitamin C, immune boosters, kratom, and CBD 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):
Products were promoted with statements such as "Camu Camu's Vitamin C. High dose Vitamin C is an antidote to viruses. It has been used for many years," "Kratom contains a special compound known as chloroquine or Cq, that research shows is powerfully combative against the coronavirus," and "We are getting a lot of questions about whether CBD (Hemp Extract) can help with the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The short answer is YES, it certainly can help."

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. 

For more information about these ingredients, see the Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and CBD sections of ConsumerLab's answer to the question: What are natural remedies for coronavirus (COVID-19)?

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: Is kratom too dangerous to use?

See Related Warnings

Plum Dragon Herbs Warned for Coronavirus Claims

FDA Warns Seller of "COVID-19 Cough Syrup"

FTC Warns 45 More Companies for Coronavirus Claims

Ten Multi-Level Marketing Companies Warned for Coronavirus and Deceptive Earnings Claims

Earth Angel Oils Warned for Coronavirus Claims

The Art of the Cure Warned for Coronavirus Claims

FTC Warns Companies Selling Immune "Boosters," Vitamin C and More for Coronavirus Claims