Cracking Down on Fraudulent Coronavirus Claims

For example, Quinessence says that essential oils like eucalyptus radiata have “powerful anti-viral and antiseptic properties.” Televangelist Jim Bakker has asserted that his “Silver Solution” colloidal silver product has “been tested on other strains of the coronavirus, and has been able to eliminate it within 12 hours.”

The FDA and FTC are none too happy about such claims. Since there are as yet no approved drugs for COVID-19, advertising that a product can protect against or cure the disease violates federal law. FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D., calls such products “fraudulent” and “a threat to the public health.”

“Preying on Consumers”

On March 6, the FDA and FTC sent warning letters to seven businesses, including Quinessence and “The Jim Bakker Show,” demanding that they immediately cease stating that their products are effective against COVID-19.

“What we don’t need in this situation are companies preying on consumers by promoting products with fraudulent prevention and treatment claims,” says FTC Chairman Joe Simons.

Missouri’s attorney general, Eric Schmitt, has already taken more aggressive action. Missouri recently sued “The Jim Bakker Show,” alleging that its unsupported assertions about Silver Solution violate state laws against misleading advertising.

In this Article: COVID-19, FDA, Legal Action and Enforcement