U.S. Warns Promoters of SARS-Related Products
By DENISE GRADY
he government said yesterday that it had warned more than 40 Web site operators and companies to stop making false claims that their products can prevent, cure or treat SARS. The products include air purifiers, sprays and wipes, masks, latex gloves, and supplements like colloidal silver, beta glucan, echinacea, mushrooms and other items that are said to strengthen the immune system.
The Federal Trade Commission and the Food and Drug Administration have sent letters and e-mail warnings to Web site operators, manufacturers and distributors, warning them to stop making false or exaggerated claims.
In a telephone news conference, Howard Beales, director of consumer protection at F.T.C., said that "scam artists trying to make a fast buck" were selling the products and that they had been warned that it was illegal to make unproven claims.
Dr. Mark B. McClellan, head of the Food and Drug Administration, said the products being promoted were useless against SARS. He said the two agencies were working together on the problem, with the trade commission handling Web sites and advertising, and the drug agency regulating what manufacturers can say about their products.
Dr. McClellan and Mr. Beales said that if the companies did not comply with the warnings, the government could order refunds to consumers and impose fines, seize products, seek injunctions and pursue civil or criminal contempt proceedings.
Rob Dowler, of Canada's ministry of consumer and business services, said the Canadian government was taking similar steps.
