The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has posted warning letters to 14 US companies that illegally sell more than 65 products that fraudulently claim to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure cancer. The products are marketed and sold without the approval of the FDA, most often on websites and social media
"Consumers should not use these products as they may be dangerous and may prevent a person from seeking appropriate or potentially dangerous diagnosis or treatment," said Douglas W. Stearn, Law Enforcement and Import Operations In the Office of Regulatory Affairs of the FDA. "We encourage people to stay alert, online or in-store, and avoid buying marketed products to treat cancer without any evidence that they are working. Patients should consult a health professional about proper prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. "
This is a violation of the federal Food, Drugs and Cosmetics Act to market and sell products that claim to prevent, diagnose, treat, mitigate or cure illnesses without first demonstrating to the FDA that they Are safe and effective for their labeled uses. The products sold illegally cited in the warning letters posted today include a variety of product types, such as pills, topical creams, ointments, oils, drops, syrups, teas and diagnoses ( Such as thermography apparatuses). They include products marketed for use by humans or pets that make illegal and unproven claims about the prevention, reversal or cure of cancer; Killing / inhibiting cancer cells or or tumors; or other similar anti-cancer claims.
The FDA asked for responses from 14 companies indicating how the violations will be corrected. Failure to correct violations promptly may result in legal action, including seizure, injunction and / or criminal prosecution.
As part of the FDA's effort to protect consumers from cancer health fraud, the FDA has issued over 90 warning letters over the past 10 years to companies that market hundreds of products Fraudulent allegations of cancer on websites, social media and stores. Although many of these companies have ceased to sell products or make fraudulent claims, many unsafe and unsafe products continue to be sold directly to consumers due in part to the ease with which companies can transfer their marketing operations To new websites. The FDA continues to monitor and take action against companies that promote and sell unproven treatments in order to minimize potential hazards to consumers and inform consumers about the risks.
The FDA encourages healthcare professionals and consumers to report adverse events associated with these products or products similar to the agency's MedWatch program.
