The marketers of a line of dietary supplements have agreed to pay $2.5 million to settle FTC charges that claims regarding their oregano oil and capsules were false and unsubstantiated in violation of federal law.

According to the FTC complaint, North American Herb & Spice Co., LLC, Buffalo Grove, IL, and its owner, Judy Kay Gray, falsely claimed that Oreganol P73, Super Strength Oreganol P73, and Oregacyn (currently sold as OregaRESP) are scientifically proven to prevent or treat colds and flu. The defendants also claimed that the products boost the immune system and kill a variety of germs and pathogens, including cold and flu viruses, avian bird flu virus, hepatitis C, Staphylococcus aureus, Helicobacter pylori, mold, parasites and yeasts.

Sold at prices ranging from $29.99 to $69.99, the products purportedly contain P73, which is described as wild, handpicked Mediterranean oregano. The products were advertised on websites and in various health magazines.

The final order imposes a $2.5 million judgment and places restrictions on the defendants’ future conduct. It prohibits them from claiming that their products prevent or treat colds or flu, are clinically tested or scientifically proven to be effective, or have other health or safety benefits, unless the claims are true, not misleading, and based on reliable scientific evidence. The defendants are also banned from misrepresenting the existence, validity, results or conclusions of any test or study. The order also contains standard record-keeping provisions to allow FTC to monitor compliance.