Blumenthal Demands FDA, FTC Fight Deceptive Marketing & Sales of Fake Coronavirus Remedies, Cures
“I strongly urge the FTC and FDA to swiftly use their full authority to hold such scammers accountable for their egregious actions that prey on already vulnerable consumers.”
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Amid the rapidly changing coronavirus public health emergency, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) called on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to put a firm stop to the marketing and sale of deceptive, potentially unsafe products claiming to prevent or cure the illness.
“No vaccines or drugs have yet been proven to cure or stop the virus,” wrote Blumenthal. “To protect public health the FTC and FDA should take strong, swift steps to prevent the sale of misleading and potentially dangerous products—including supplements, essential oils, and teas—posing as medicine and targeting vulnerable Americans.”
In his letter to FTC Chairman Joe Simons and FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn, Blumenthal praised the agencies for sending warning letters to seven companies making false claims, but pointed out that these warning letters are insufficient. Blumenthal urged the agencies to use their “full authority” and to increase their coordination to ensure consumers are protected.
The full text of the letter to the FTC and FDA is available here.
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