November 19,2001

Comment on Federal Trade Commission Crackdown on Bioterrorism Defense Claims

M E M O R A N D U M

To: Reporters and Editors
Fr: Jill Gerber, 202/224-6522
Re: FTC crackdown on bogus bioterrorism defense products
Da: Monday, Nov. 19, 2001

Today the Federal Trade Commission warned approximately 40 Web site operators who suggest using such things as oregano oil or zinc mineral water to treat illnesses like anthrax that it is aware of no scientific proof for such claims and that the Web site operators must remove them from the Internet. Sen. Chuck Grassley, who had sought information about the agency’s activities in this area, made the following comment on today’s crackdown.

“In these tense times, people need reliable information about the bioterrorism risk. Unfounded product claims don’t fit the bill. I commend the Federal Trade Commission’s action today to nip the sale of questionably effective products in the bud. When product claims spring up like mushrooms, enforcers need to act quickly to protect consumers.”