The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been warning about companies purporting to sell drugs or preventive substances for COVID-19. On Monday, April 27, the FDA and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued warning letters to two companies for selling fraudulent COVID-19 products, as part of the agency’s effort to protect consumers.
There are currently no FDA-approved products to prevent or treat COVID-19. The FDA says consumers concerned about COVID-19 should consult with their health care provider.
The two companies:
Hopewell Essential Oils offers essential oils and herbal products for sale in the U.S. with misleading claims that the products are safe and/or effective for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
Santiste Labs, LLC, is offering the “DefendTM Patch,” a transdermal patch containing a “composition of botanical oils,” for sale in the U.S. with misleading claims that the product is safe and/or effective for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19.
Both companies were warned that failure to immediately correct the violations cited in their letters may result in legal action, including, without limitation, seizure and injunction.
