FTC Targets Web Sites Touting Dietary Supplements as Anthrax Treatment

FTC Targets Web Sites Touting Dietary Supplements as Anthrax Treatment

WASHINGTON--The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued warnings to more than 40 companies in mid-November to remove from their site any product claims that their items will protect against, detect or treat biological and chemical agents, including anthrax. More than 200 sites were uncovered, with additional warnings expected to be issued. Several sites targeted by FTC included claims for dietary supplements such as oil of oregano, colloidal silver and zinc mineral water.

"The FTC is aware of no scientific basis for any of the self-treatment alternatives being marketed on the Internet," said Howard Beales, FTC's director of consumer protection. "Essentially, these operators need to shut down these areas of their sites or face prosecution."

FTC worked with the Food and Drug Administration and law enforcement officials in more than 30 states on the Internet sting, an expansion of previous "Operation Cure.All" events. John Taylor, FDA's director of the Office of Enforcement, noted that there are no dietary supplements that have been proven safe or effective for treatment or prevention of anthrax. "We've found quite a number of disturbing sites," he said. "Companies marketing unapproved or otherwise misbranded products for anthrax or other diseases run a very high risk of FDA enforcement or regulatory action."

The FTC release (www.ftc.gov/opa/2001/11/webwarn.htm) and e-mail both mentioned the fact that a dietary supplement industry coalition issued a release that no dietary supplements should be promoted as a remedy or cure for anthrax.

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