The following news release has been brought to our attention which underscores the need for Ayurvedic professionals to avoid any claims which directly, or by implication, indicate that any of their products can be used to prevent, treat or cure COVID-19: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-update-fda-and-ftc-warn-seven-companies-selling-fraudulent-products-claim-treat-or.  

The FDA and FTC recently issued warning letters to seven companies for selling fraudulent COVID-19 products, including teas, essential oils, tinctures and colloidal silver.  The news release includes the follow statement:

“The FDA considers the sale and promotion of fraudulent COVID-19 products to be a threat to the public health. We have an aggressive surveillance program that routinely monitors online sources for health fraud products, especially during a significant public health issue such as this one,” said FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D. “We understand consumers are concerned about the spread of COVID-19 and urge them to talk to their health care providers, as well as follow advice from other federal agencies about how to prevent the spread of this illness. We will continue to aggressively pursue those that place the public health at risk and hold bad actors accountable.” 

The FDA is particularly concerned that products that claim to cure, treat or prevent serious diseases like COVID-19 may cause consumers to delay or stop appropriate medical treatment, leading to serious and life-threatening harm.  The news release warns that the FDA and FTC have established a cross-agency task force assigned to closely monitor online marketplaces for fraudulent products related to COVID-19. 

NAMA asks that all our members, individual and company alike, to heed these warnings as issued by the FDA.