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Posted July 7, 2020

Sellers of Essential Oils, Hand Sanitizers and More Warned for Coronavirus Claims

The FDA recently issued warning letters to five companies for selling products such as essential oils, homeopathic products, and Chinese herbal products with unsupported claims that they can treat coronavirus (COVID-19).

The agency emphasized that there are currently no approved treatments for the virus and has 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 "I recommend the use of viral fighting essential oils right now and every day. Essential oil blends such as Butterfly's LeDeliverance would be an excellent choice," "Wuhan people put COVID under control within 3 months, what role Chinese herbs played in Wuhan?" and "Lianhua Qingwen is a very common Traditional Chinese Medicine... Composed of 13 herbal components, it has shown curative effects on mild and common patients, especially in relieving fever, cough and fatigue. It can reduce the occurrence of deterioration with COVID-19 virus and help patients test negative"

The agency instructed the companies to send an email to COVID-19-Task-Force-CDER@fda.hhs.gov within 48 hours of receipt of the warning, describing the specific steps they have taken to correct these violations. 

See ConsumerLab's answers to the question What are natural remedies for coronavirus (COVID-19)? Do supplements like zinc, vitamin C, or herbals work?

See Related Warnings:

North Isle Wellness Center Warned for Coronavirus Claims

Seller of CBD Tinctures and "Immune Boost Packs" Warned for Coronavirus Claims

KBMO Diagnostics Warned for Unapproved COVID-19 Test

FTC Warns 30 More Companies for Coronavirus Claims

FDA Warns Companies Selling Unapproved COVID-19 Tests

Seller of Silver and Vitamin C Lozenges & More Warned for Coronavirus Claims

FTC Warns 35 More Companies for Coronavirus Claims