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Supplements maker Balance of Nature is making phony claims that its products can ward off the coronavirus, a consumer watchdog claimed in federal complaints filed Tuesday. The Utah-based company — which touts its “Fruits and Veggies” supplements on radio programs hosted by comedian Joe Piscopo and political commentator Kevin McCullough among others — falsely claims …
Supplements maker Balance of Nature is making phony claims that its products can ward off the coronavirus, a consumer watchdog claimed in federal complaints filed Tuesday.
The Utah-based company — which touts its “Fruits and Veggies” supplements on radio programs hosted by comedian Joe Piscopo and political commentator Kevin McCullough among others — falsely claims that they can “prevent and help treat the coronavirus by boosting a person’s immune system,” according to the complaints filed with the Federal Trade Commission and to the Food and Drug Administration.
Balance of Nature is a sponsor of the programs and its founder Douglas Howard is frequently brought on as a guest, according to the complaints by Truth in Advertising, a not-for-profit consumer advocate also known as TINA.org.
On March 2, Howard said on Piscopo’s “Morning Show” on AM 970 about coronavirus is “a cold virus, that’s what it is … build your immune system that’s all you can do … and your body will build its own immunity to it,” according to the complaints.
In an April 7 spot on the same show, Howard plugged “Fruits and Veggies” supplements again, saying, “Now more than ever it’s time to try Balance of Nature’s ‘Fruits’ and vegetables in capsule form. Remember the best defense against any virus is your own immune system,” according to the complaints.
Eating fruits and veggies may be good for your health — but claiming that it’s a preventative measure against the COVID-19 pandemic amounts to deceptive marketing, according to the group.
The company has run afoul of the agencies previously.
In August 2019 the FDA sent Balance of Nature a warning letter about claims that its supplements could treat multiple sclerosis, diabetes and arthritis, according to the complaint.
TINA.org says Balance of Nature is among thousands of marketers who are making immune boosting claims amidst the pandemic.
The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
