Recalls & Warnings
ConsumerLab.com is keeping you informed with current product recalls and warnings.
Posted June 9, 2020
Six More Multi-Level Marketing Companies Warned for Coronavirus and Deceptive Earnings Claims
On June 5, 2020, the FTC announced that it sent warning letters to six multi-level marketing companies for selling products such as immune system boosters and probiotics with unsupported claims that they can treat coronavirus (COVID-19) and/or for misrepresenting potential earnings people who have recently lost income can make by selling their products. The agency warned ten other multi-level marketing companies in April 2020 for similar coronavirus claims.
The agency sent similar warnings to ten other multi-level marketing companies in April 2020.
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):
Companies that received a warning letter for health claims:
One company that received a warning letter for earnings claims related to coronavirus: Products were promoted with statements such as "...Anyone who has Covid-19 should have: 1 Healthy Bran and Heart Pak, 1 Healthy Bone and Joint Pak, 1 Immunity Health Pak," "Looks like the SAME probiotics strains and enzymes that are in my ProBio5 are being used to help treat COVID-19 symptoms," and "In the fight against COVID-19 -- Keep moving every day and eating healthy! Isagenix shakes boost your immunity 500%!"
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.
The agency sent similar warnings to ten other multi-level marketing companies in April 2020.
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):
- Isagenix International LLC (Isagenix shakes)
- The Juice Plus+ Company (immune boosting juice products)
Companies that received a warning letter for health claims:
- Youngevity International, Inc. (Healthy Bran and Heart Pak, Healthy Bone and Joint Pak, Immunity Health Pak)
- Vivri USA, LLC
- Plexus Worldwide, LLC (Everyday Wellness Combo, ProBio5)
One company that received a warning letter for earnings claims related to coronavirus: Products were promoted with statements such as "...Anyone who has Covid-19 should have: 1 Healthy Bran and Heart Pak, 1 Healthy Bone and Joint Pak, 1 Immunity Health Pak," "Looks like the SAME probiotics strains and enzymes that are in my ProBio5 are being used to help treat COVID-19 symptoms," and "In the fight against COVID-19 -- Keep moving every day and eating healthy! Isagenix shakes boost your immunity 500%!"
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.