FTC, FDA warn companies making Coronavirus claims

FTC, FDA warn companies making Coronavirus claims

• What’s the FTC’s advice for other companies thinking about making similar representations?
  • Coronavirus-related advertising claims will be subject to exacting scrutiny. The FTC has a magnifying glass on the marketplace to monitor Coronavirus claims. We’ll be taking a close look at what companies are saying. That also includes an examination of product names, URLs, metatags, and other ways companies can suggest or imply claims to consumers.
  • Don’t even think about marketing a product unless you can support your claims with sound science. Under the FTC Act, claims that a product can prevent or treat a serious disease require the support of well-controlled human clinical studies.
  • Exercise caution in social media. Promoting your Coronavirus-related product on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc., is advertising subject to the FTC Act. If you don’t have solid scientific support, don’t say it in social media.
  • But do those businesses have proof for their advertising claims, as the FTC requires?
  • The FTC and FDA just sent warning letters to seven companies raising concerns about their Coronavirus-related products.
  • If your business is making Coronavirus claims, stop.
  • The FTC also has advice for consumers about protecting themselves from Coronavirus scams.
  • Here are the companies that received the FTC-FDA warning letters and some of the products theyre pitching.
  • The warning letter calls into question claims the Idaho firm is making for multiple products, including a Coronavirus Protocol.
  • According to the FTC-FDA warning letter, the Canadian company makes a variety of claims on its site and on Facebook for example, Regarding the Wuhan Coronavirus: Stephen Buhner .
  • Furthermore, because 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), the FTC says those companies must immediately cease making all such claims.
  • If a firm fails to follow through with immediate corrective measures, the FDA may take enforcement action, which could involve criminal prosecution.
  • The FDA is advising them not to purchase or use COVID-19 related products offered for sale that have not been approved, cleared, or authorized by FDA.