01.28.20
In a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the Natural Products Association (NPA) urged the agency to take action against nutritional supplements claiming to “treat or prevent infection by the coronavirus.”
Both the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have authority over labeling claims for dietary supplements. It is illegal for nutritional supplement manufacturers to claim their products “prevent, treat, or cure” an illness.
NPA’s letter to the FDA can be viewed here.
“If a product sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. There is no such thing as a magic pill and consumers should steer clear of any product being marketed as a nutritional supplement that says it will prevent, treat, or cure coronavirus or any other illness,” said Daniel Fabricant, PhD, president and CEO of NPA. “While these products may appeal to people who are concerned about getting sick, there is no substitute for doing what is recommended every flu season: wash your hands often; avoid people who are sick; cover your mouth and nose when you cough; and if you’re the one feeling sick, stay home.”
Consumers who are concerned about a statement made on a product label can report it to the FDA. And if a claim sounds false or unbelievable, or claims to treat or cure a disease, consumers can tell the FTC.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Both the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have authority over labeling claims for dietary supplements. It is illegal for nutritional supplement manufacturers to claim their products “prevent, treat, or cure” an illness.
NPA’s letter to the FDA can be viewed here.
“If a product sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. There is no such thing as a magic pill and consumers should steer clear of any product being marketed as a nutritional supplement that says it will prevent, treat, or cure coronavirus or any other illness,” said Daniel Fabricant, PhD, president and CEO of NPA. “While these products may appeal to people who are concerned about getting sick, there is no substitute for doing what is recommended every flu season: wash your hands often; avoid people who are sick; cover your mouth and nose when you cough; and if you’re the one feeling sick, stay home.”
Consumers who are concerned about a statement made on a product label can report it to the FDA. And if a claim sounds false or unbelievable, or claims to treat or cure a disease, consumers can tell the FTC.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.