Warning Letters Sent to 14 More Companies Selling Over 65 Illegal Products
The FDA sent warning letters to 14 U.S.-based companies illegally selling over 65 products that falsely claim to “prevent, diagnose, treat or cure cancer.” These products are sold without FDA approval on websites and social media platforms.
There is no excuse for preying on people who are desperate for help, and stringent action should be taken.
- “Consumers should not use these or similar unproven products because they may be unsafe and could prevent a person from seeking an appropriate and potentially life-saving cancer diagnosis or treatment,” said Douglas W. Stearn, director of the Office of Enforcement and Import Operations in the FDA’s Office of Regulatory Affairs. “We encourage people to remain vigilant whether online or in a store, and avoid purchasing products marketed to treat cancer without any proof they will work. Patients should consult a health care professional about proper prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.“
- It is a violation of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to market and sell products that claim to prevent, diagnose, treat, mitigate or cure diseases without first demonstrating to the FDA that they are safe and effective for their labeled uses. The illegally sold products cited in the warning letters posted today include a variety of product types, such as pills, topical creams, ointments, oils, drops, syrups, teas and diagnostics (such as thermography devices). They include products marketed for use by humans or pets that make illegal, unproven claims regarding preventing, reversing or curing cancer; killing/inhibiting cancer cells or tumors; or other similar anti-cancer claims.
FDA is constantly working towards keeping consumers safe from health frauds. Over the last decade the agency has issued over 100 warning letters to companies marketing hundreds of misleading products claiming to cure cancer on websites, social media and in stores. Despite this, way too many unsafe and unapproved products continue to be sold because of how simple it is to move marketing operations to new websites.
If you or anyone you know has suffered adverse reactions due to any health products, treatments or supplements, you can report it to the agency’s MedWatch program.