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FDA acts to protect public from fraudulent avian flu therapies

Infection Control Monitor, December 16, 2005

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warning letters to nine companies marketing bogus flu products behind claims that their products could be effective against preventing the avian flu or other forms of influenza. There is no scientific evidence that proves the safety or effectiveness of these products and the FDA is concerned that their use could harm consumers or interfere with conventional treatments.

Eight of the products purported to be dietary supplements. Examples of the unproven claims include: "prevents avian flu," "a natural virus shield," "kills the virus," and "treats the avian flu." These alternative therapies are promoted as "natural" or "safer" treatments that can be used in place of an approved treatment or preventative medical product.

In the warning letters, the FDA advised the firms that it considers their products to be drugs because they claim to treat or prevent disease. The warning letters further stated that FDA considers these products to be "new drugs" that

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