Beware of H1N1 Fraudulent Claims

You do not want your cosmetic, aromatherapy, herbal or soap product to make the FDA's new list.  The FDA has started The Fraudulent 2009 H1N1 Influenza Products List.  The purpose of the fraudulent list is to “alert consumers about Web sites that are or were illegally marketing unapproved, uncleared, or unauthorized products in relation to the 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus (sometimes referred to as the “swine flu” virus).” FDA

    

According to the FDA, “This list does not include every Web site that is marketing products related to the 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus without FDA approval, clearance, or authorization, only those Web sites to which FDA has issued a warning letter.” and goes on to warn, “Even if a Web site is not included in this list, consumers should exercise caution before purchasing ovebefore purchasing over the Internet any product purporting to diagnose, mitigate, prevent, treat, or cure the 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus.” FDA

FDA is not only finding companies making internal over the counter drugs like they did with this warning letter to, “Procter & Gamble Co. saying the company was illegally marketing two Vicks cold and flu medicines containing vitamin C.”  They looking for any website making claims on a variety of products including:  Air System Products, Antiseptic Products, Body Wash Products, Device Products, Gel Products, Gloves Products, Hand Sanitizer Products, Herbal Extract Products, Immunization Products, Inhaler Products, Kit Products, Mask Products, Shampoo Products, Spray Products, Supplement Products, Tea Products and Test Products.  The entire Fraudulent 2009 H1N1 Product list can be found here but the list grows regularly you can see the most current list on this page.

Please be very careful about the claims that you make regarding your cosmetics, soaps, household products and personal care products.  Do not make claims about your product that will make it an OTC drug, especially when it comes to the H1N1 virus.  Even if an essential oil or herb has antiviral properties they are unproven against the H1N1 virus.  Avoid making claims not only to stay out of trouble with the FDA but also to protect consumers from unproven remedies. 

I use aromatherapy, vitamins and herbal treatments regularly but both of my daughters and I came down with H1N1 with the use of all that plus careful hand washing and OTC hand sanitizers.  Even if you are certain that your product is the cure all of all cure all's there is no scientific evidence that it will work against H1N1.  You do not want to the product that a consumer is blaming for not protecting them against H1N1.

Comments

[Carlene Everitt]

Thank you so much for the reminder. In my business I have learned the importance of what I say. I know essential oils work, as well as my vitamins and supplements I choose to take. However we have no control as to how compliant our clients are, thus not all have to same outcome. That is why it is so important not to make claims of any type of cure. It truly is a protection.

[Pure-N-Simple Soap]

This is good information to know, thanks for sharing.