The broader dietary supplement industry has been composed of companies geared toward guiding members of the public toward appropriate information channels pertaining to COVID-19, including many global and national healthcare authorities. Trade groups, by and large, have been proactive in their efforts to police the dietary supplements industry and its marketers, but it is clear that there are still a number of bad actors peddling bogus claims that their product is able to cure, prevent, or treat the novel coronavirus in the midst of a public health emergency unlike anything seen in over a century. Consumers, apparently, are still buying these products based on deceptive advertising, FTC reports. 
 
Ten additional letters were sent to companies that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alleges were scamming the public by making unsubstantiated claims directly referencing COVID-19. Companies which were involved in this round of warning letters were selling everything from a bundle of supplements called an “Anti-virus kit,” to “Sonic Silicone Face Brushes,” and intravenous “therapies” with high doses of vitamin C. While some letters challenge products sold online, others challenge purported treatments offered in clinics or even at a consumer’s home. As the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has stated, there are no products scientifically proven to prevent or treat the virus.
 
The companies that were warned in recent weeks are Bioenergy Wellness Miami, Face Vital LLC, LightAir International AB, MedQuick Labs LLC, New Performance Nutrition, PuraTHRIVE LLC, Resurgence Medical Spa LLC, Rocky Mountain IV Medics, Suki Distribution Pte. Ltd., and Vita Activate.
 
“It’s shameful to take advantage of people by claiming that a product prevents, treats, or cures COVID-19”, Andrew Smith, Diretor of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, said in a statement. “We’re seeing these false claims for all sorts of products, but anyone who makes them simply has no proof and is likely just after your money.”
 
Previously, FTC has sent out warning letters to the purfveyors of supplements such as colloidal silver, teas, essential oils, and other products pitched as scientifically proven coronavirus treatments, with a wider range of products addressed in the latest round of warnings.
 
“Corona Virus Immune System Boost COVID-19,” for example, was described as providing users with “advanced rife healing frequencies,” developed by “The Man Who Cured Cancer.” The product supposedly uses cound frequencies to penetrate cells “thousands of times more than chemical information.”
 
Another product, the “Face Vital Sonic Silicone Facial Brush,” is described in ads as being able to “fight off the Coronavirus” by “Ramping up your beauty and cleansing regimen,” FTC said.
 
While the egregiousness of these unsubstantiated claims may be obvious to most, the broader dietary supplements industry is taking them very seriously, and many trade organizations have arranged their own independent programs to report such products to FTC and FDA.
 
The warning letters are not punitive in and of themselves. However, FTC has warned these companies that if the false claims they make do not cease, the commission may seek a federal court injunction and an order requiring money to be refunded to consumers. The recipients were instructed to notify the FTC within 48 hours about the specific actions they have taken to address the agency’s concerns.
 
The FTC reports that it has responded to issues surrounding robocalls pitching purported coronavirus-related products and services, as well, and has sent letters to several VoIP service providers.