June 16, 2003
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a case last week against marketers of a dietary supplement called Coral Calcium Supreme with making false and unsubstantiated claims about their product’s health benefits. The FTC has charged that Kevin Trudeau, Robert Barefoot, Shop America LLC and Deonna Enterprises claim that their product can treat or cure all forms of cancer, multiple sclerosis, lupus, chronic high blood pressure and heart disease. The statements were made in a nationally televised 30-minute infomercial and through statements in brochures accompanying the product is unfounded and unsupported, according to the FTC. The FTC is looking for permanent injunction and financial restitution to consumers who purchased Coral Calcium Supreme.
In addition, the FTC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have issued warning letters to dozens of web site operators making similar claims for coral calcium products. The letters remind operators that any claim that coral calcium is an effective treatment or cure must be supported by reliable scientific evidence. The warning instructs operators to remove any false or deceptive claims from their sites immediately or face further enforcement.
(Click here for the complete FTC press release.)