Nutrition / Supplements

Foshan Miwei Cosmetics Co., Ltd.

FDA issued a warning letter to Foshan Miwei Cosmetics Co., Ltd. (China) for manufacturing OTC sunscreen drug products — Trust MD SPF 30 Stem Cell Face Cream and inBlair Elevate SPF 15 Moisturizer — that are unapproved new drugs and misbranded under the FD&C Act, in addition to multiple CGMP violations. The products' labeling made pharmacological claims for ingredients such as plant-based stem cells, sodium hyaluronate, vitamins B/C, and vitamin B3 (e.g., collagen promotion, cell repair, reducing hyperpigmentation/inflammation) that rendered them unapproved drugs not conforming to the OTC sunscreen monograph M020. FDA had already placed the firm on Import Alert 66-40 as of February 13, 2026, and the letter demands corrective action within 15 working days or continued refusal of admission of the firm's products into the United States.

TruHeight (Vanilla Chip LLC)

Nevada-based Vanilla Chip LLC (d/b/a TruHeight) and its two principals, Eden Stelmach and Justin Rapoport, agreed to settle FTC charges that they deceptively marketed supplements as supporting height growth in children and teenagers without adequate substantiation. The FTC also charged the company with relying on fake or incentivized reviews — written by employees or consumers offered free products or discounts in exchange for 5-star ratings — to bolster product credibility. The matter resulted in a consent order requiring corrective action.

Nature’s Elements, Inc.

FDA issued a warning letter to Nature's Elements, Inc. (Bohemia, NY) following an October 2025 facility inspection and website review, finding that five dietary supplement products — He Shou Wu, Advanced He Shou Wu, Schizandra Berry extract, DHT Blocker, and Cordyceps — bore disease-treatment claims that rendered them unapproved new drugs under the FD&C Act. The DHT Blocker and Schizandra Berry extract were additionally cited as misbranded drugs for lacking adequate directions for use. Multiple products were also found adulterated due to serious CGMP violations including absent product specifications, missing master manufacturing records, and no batch production records. FDA warned that failure to correct these violations may result in seizure or injunction.

Golden Sunrise Nutraceutical, Inc.

The FTC filed a federal court complaint in July 2020 against Golden Sunrise Nutraceutical, Inc., its affiliated corporation, and two executives (CEO Huu Tieu and Medical Director Stephen Meis) for marketing fraudulent 'plans of care' priced between $23,000 and $200,000 that falsely claimed to treat or cure COVID-19, cancer, Parkinson's disease, and other serious conditions. A proposed order barring the defendants from making bogus health claims was announced in June 2021. The FTC subsequently established a consumer refund process in January 2024 and began distributing refund checks to defrauded consumers in February 2026.

Roca Labs, Inc.

The FTC took action against Roca Labs, Inc., a Florida-based marketer of weight-loss supplements, for making allegedly baseless efficacy claims and using 'gag clause' contract provisions to suppress negative consumer reviews and testimonials online. A federal district court issued summary judgment in the FTC's favor in September 2018. In July 2025, the Commission announced it was returning more than $409,000 to defrauded consumers as consumer redress.

Xlear, Inc., U.S. v.

The FTC, acting through DOJ, sued Xlear, Inc. in October 2021 under the COVID-19 Consumer Protection Act, alleging the Utah-based company falsely marketed its saline nasal sprays as effective for preventing and treating COVID-19. The core violation was unsubstantiated efficacy claims tied to a serious infectious disease. In March 2025, DOJ agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice, resulting in no final judgment or penalty against Xlear.

B4B Corp.

The FTC, DOJ, and FDA jointly sued B4B Corp., a New York-based herbal tea marketer, seeking a permanent injunction to halt deceptive advertising for its 'Earth Tea' product. The company claimed its tea was clinically proven to treat, cure, and prevent COVID-19, which constitutes unsubstantiated and forbidden health claims under FTC and FDA standards. The enforcement action seeks to permanently block these deceptive advertisements.

Nerium International, LLC

The FTC sued Nerium International (later Neora, LLC) and its CEO Jeffrey Olson, alleging the company operated as an illegal pyramid scheme and made deceptive health claims about its 'EHT' supplements, specifically that they could treat or prevent concussions, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. The FTC sought a permanent injunction to stop the deceptive practices. In September 2023, the district court ruled against the FTC on its claims, and in May 2024 the court further ruled that Neora could not recover its fees and expenses because the FTC's litigation position was 'substantially justified.'

Lucky K.T. Co., Inc.

Lucky K.T. Co., Inc., a food manufacturing facility in El Monte, CA, received an FDA Warning Letter following an April–May 2023 inspection that found serious violations of Current Good Manufacturing Practice and Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls regulations for its noodle products (Fresh Rice Noodle, Rice Stick Noodle, Egg Noodle, Chow Mein Noodle, and Pancit Noodle). The FDA determined the products were adulterated due to insanitary conditions — including pest infestations, unclean equipment, and inadequate pathogen controls — and misbranded due to undeclared allergens (wheat), incorrect ingredient declarations, and non-compliant Nutrition Facts labels. FDA required a written response within 15 working days detailing corrective actions, warning that failure to comply could result in seizure or injunction.

doTERRA - Wong

The FTC, through the Department of Justice, filed lawsuits against three current and former high-level doTERRA distributors — all healthcare practitioners — for claiming that doTERRA essential oils and dietary supplements could treat, prevent, or cure COVID-19. The claims were made during webinars in early 2022, with defendants leveraging their medical credentials to lend credibility to the product recommendations. The complaints allege violations of both the FTC Act and the COVID-19 Consumer Protection Act. This case represents a critical enforcement action targeting unsubstantiated disease-cure claims tied to MLM health product marketing.

doTERRA - Busch

The FTC, through the Department of Justice, filed lawsuits against three current and former high-level doTERRA distributors — all healthcare practitioners — for claiming that doTERRA essential oils and dietary supplements could treat, prevent, or cure COVID-19. The claims were made during webinars in early 2022, where the defendants leveraged their medical credentials to promote the products. The complaints allege violations of both the FTC Act and the COVID-19 Consumer Protection Act.

doTERRA - Bacot

The FTC, through the Department of Justice, filed lawsuits against three current and former high-level doTERRA distributors who were also healthcare practitioners for claiming that doTERRA essential oils and dietary supplements could treat, prevent, or cure COVID-19. The claims were made during webinars in early 2022, with the defendants leveraging their medical credentials to lend credibility to the product recommendations. The complaints allege violations of both the FTC Act and the COVID-19 Consumer Protection Act. This enforcement action represents a critical regulatory outcome targeting unsubstantiated disease-cure claims tied to a multi-level marketing health product line.

ZyCal Bioceuticals Healthcare Company, Inc.

The FTC filed a federal complaint against ZyCal Bioceuticals Healthcare Company, Inc. and related party Excellent Marketing Results, Inc. (EMR) for making unsubstantiated health claims about Cyplexinol-based products marketed for joint pain, arthritis, bone tissue, and cartilage growth. EMR claimed its StimTein product was 'clinically proven' to stimulate bone and cartilage cell growth without adequate scientific support. EMR and its president settled, were barred from making unsupported health claims, and over $110,000 was returned to consumers; in February 2023, a proposed order was announced barring ZyCal defendants from the deceptive conduct alleged in the complaint.

Health Research Laboratories, LLC

Health Research Laboratories, LLC, a Texas-based dietary supplement company, and its owner were banned from advertising or selling dietary supplements under an FTC consent order finalized in June 2022. The enforcement action was triggered by claims that their products treat, cure, or reduce the risk of disease — classic disease-claim violations under FTC and FDA standards. The proposed settlement was announced in March 2022 and received final approval in June 2022, resulting in a permanent ban on supplement sales and disease-related marketing claims.

National Urological Group, Inc., et al.

National Urological Group, Inc. and associated defendants, including repeat offender Jared Wheat, were found in contempt by a federal district judge in October 2017 for violating prior court orders related to the sale of weight-loss dietary supplements. The court imposed a judgment exceeding $40 million against the defendants. The FTC used a portion of those funds to mail refunds totaling more than $8.5 million to defrauded consumers in May 2020.

DLG Naturals, Inc.

FDA issued a warning letter to DLG Naturals, Inc. (Janesville, WI) after inspecting their facility and reviewing their website in 2022, finding that four products — Nilotica East African Shea Butter, Kalahari Melon Seed Oil, Baobab Oil, and Kigelia Africana Fruit Extract — were being marketed with disease-treatment and structure/function claims that rendered them unapproved new drugs under the FD&C Act. The website claims referenced anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, eczema, psoriasis, rheumatism, and other therapeutic uses without FDA approval. FDA also flagged falsified Certificates of Analysis and mislabeled cosmetic product lots. The company was required to respond within 15 working days with corrective actions, and FDA warned that failure to comply could result in seizure and/or injunction.

Jason Cardiff (Redwood Scientific Technologies, Inc.)

The FTC filed a complaint against Jason Cardiff and Redwood Scientific Technologies, Inc. in October 2018, alleging a scheme using illegal robocalls to deceptively market dissolvable oral film strips as effective smoking cessation, weight-loss, and sexual-performance aids. An initial 2019 settlement permanently banned co-defendant Danielle Cadiz from all robocall activities and imposed an $18.2 million judgment against her. In March 2022, the FTC announced final court orders against all remaining defendants, including Cardiff. The enforcement actions addressed both the deceptive health efficacy claims and the illegal robocall marketing methods used to promote the products.

Health Research Laboratories, LLC

The FTC and State of Maine brought a complaint against Health Research Laboratories, LLC and its principal for deceptively marketing two dietary supplements, BioTherapex and NeuroPlus, with claims not supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence. A final Commission order was entered, and over $750,000 in consumer redress was distributed to approximately 16,596 affected consumers in November 2018. The defendants were subsequently alleged to have violated the final order by continuing to market supplements with unsupported claims, leading to a contempt motion and later an administrative complaint. A proposed settlement order was announced in March 2020.

Sunshine Mills, Inc

Sunshine Mills, Inc., a pet food manufacturer in Tupelo, MS, received an FDA Warning Letter following a 15-day inspection revealing significant violations of Current Good Manufacturing Practice and Hazard Analysis/Risk-Based Preventive Controls regulations (21 CFR Part 507). The violations centered on failure to implement preventive controls for mycotoxin (aflatoxin) contamination and Salmonella recontamination, inadequate corrective action procedures, and insanitary facility conditions including roof leaks and standing water. The letter is not related to human health marketing claims and falls outside the scope of physician-led health clinic marketing enforcement; no health marketing claims were flagged.

Teami, LLC

The FTC sued Teami, LLC and its owners in March 2020 for making deceptive health claims about their tea products without reliable scientific evidence, and for paying social media influencers who failed to adequately disclose their paid relationships. Teami claimed its 30 Day Detox Pack would cause weight loss and that other teas could fight cancer, clear clogged arteries, decrease migraines, treat and prevent flu, and treat colds. The case resulted in the FTC returning more than $930,000 in consumer redress to buyers of the products.

BASF SE

BASF SE, along with DIEM Labs, agreed to pay over $416,000 to settle FTC charges that they deceptively marketed dietary fish oil supplements as clinically proven to reduce liver fat in adults and children with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The FTC found the efficacy claims were unsubstantiated. The settlement funds were used to provide consumer refunds, and both companies were barred from the allegedly illegal conduct under final consent orders approved in June 2021.

Nordic Clinical, Inc. and Encore Plus Solutions, Inc.

Nordic Clinical, Inc. and Encore Plus Solutions, Inc., marketers of supplements Neurocet, Regenify, and Resetigen-D, settled FTC charges in April 2020 for deceptively promoting their products to older Americans with false claims that the supplements could stop pain and treat age-related ailments. The FTC found the health benefit claims were unsubstantiated and not supported by scientific evidence. The resulting order barred the defendants from making any health benefit claims unless true and backed by scientific evidence. In October 2021, the FTC announced it was returning $1.1 million to consumers who purchased the defendants' products.

Quincy Bioscience Holding Company

The FTC and New York State Attorney General charged Quincy Bioscience, marketers of the dietary supplement Prevagen, with making false and unsubstantiated claims that the product improves memory, provides cognitive benefits, and is 'clinically shown' to work. The regulators alleged these claims lacked adequate scientific substantiation. The joint action represents a significant enforcement effort targeting deceptive health marketing of a widely advertised supplement.

Quickwork LLC and Eric A. Nepute

St. Louis chiropractor Eric Anthony Nepute and his company Quickwork LLC were charged by the FTC in April 2021 for violating the COVID-19 Consumer Protection Act and the FTC Act. They deceptively marketed vitamin D and zinc products as scientifically proven to treat or prevent COVID-19. This was the first case in which the FTC sought civil penalties under the COVID-19 Consumer Protection Act.

A.S. Research, LLC (Synovia)

A.S. Research, LLC, marketers of the dietary supplement Synovia, settled FTC charges alleging they used deceptive tactics to mislead consumers into believing Synovia could treat arthritis and alleviate joint pain. The FTC found these claims unsubstantiated and in violation of consumer protection standards. As part of the settlement, the company was required to halt the deceptive marketing practices. In December 2020, the FTC announced it was returning nearly $775,000 to consumers harmed by the deceptively marketed product.

Whole Leaf Organics

Whole Leaf Organics (Marc Ching) was the subject of an FTC complaint in April 2020 resulting in a preliminary order. The California-based supplement marketer was barred from claiming his Vitamin C and herbal extract supplement could treat, prevent, or reduce the risk of COVID-19. The order also prohibited him from marketing three CBD-based products as effective cancer treatments, pending resolution of a parallel administrative case.

Marc Ching

Marc Ching, doing business as Whole Leaf Organics, was the subject of an FTC complaint and consent order for marketing a Vitamin C and herbal extract supplement as effective at treating, preventing, or reducing the risk of COVID-19, and for claiming that three CBD-based products were effective cancer treatments. The FTC issued a preliminary order in April 2020 barring these claims, and a final administrative order was approved in October 2020. The orders prohibit Ching from making unsubstantiated efficacy claims for both the COVID-19 supplement and the CBD cancer-treatment products.

Renaissance Health Publishing, LLC

Renaissance Health Publishing, LLC, a Florida-based company, was charged by the FTC for deceptively marketing its Isoprex supplement to older adults as a 'miracle cure' for pain and joint inflammation without substantiation. The FTC settlement bars the company from continuing to make these unproven claims. In September 2020, the FTC announced consumer refunds totaling more than $76,000 to buyers of the deceptively marketed product.

NatureCity, LLC

NatureCity, LLC, a Florida-based marketer of aloe vera-based supplements TrueAloe and AloeCran, settled FTC charges in October 2019 for making false and unsubstantiated claims that their products treated chronic pain, ulcerative colitis, diabetes, and acid reflux in seniors. The court order prohibits the company from making false or unsubstantiated health claims and required payment of $537,500. In May 2020, the FTC distributed over $470,000 in refund checks to affected consumers.

Health Center, Inc.

Nevada-based Health Center, Inc. (HCI) and its owner Peggy Pearce settled FTC charges in March 2020 over allegedly deceptive advertising for three 'cure-all' health and wellness products marketed to older consumers nationwide. The FTC's complaint alleged the advertising claims were deceptive. The resulting order prohibits HCI and Pearce from making such deceptive claims and imposes a partially suspended monetary judgment.

Global Community Innovations LLC, et al. (Geniux)

Global Community Innovations LLC and 15 co-defendants settled FTC charges in April 2019 for deceptively marketing cognitive-improvement supplements (Geniux, Xcel, EVO, Ion-Z) through sham news websites, fabricated clinical studies, and fraudulent celebrity and consumer endorsements. Affiliate marketers were also used to spread deceptive claims. The settlements permanently ban defendants from similar conduct, and in February 2020 the FTC distributed over $551,000 in refunds to defrauded consumers.

Leanspa, LLC, et al.

The FTC and State of Connecticut sued LeanSpa, LLC in December 2011 for using fake websites to deceptively market acai berry and 'colon cleanse' weight-loss products, and for misleading consumers about free trial offers that actually enrolled them in a $79.95 recurring monthly billing scheme that was difficult to cancel. LeanSpa settled in 2014, agreeing to cease deceptive practices and surrender assets for consumer redress. The FTC distributed over $3.7 million to more than 23,000 consumers in 2015, followed by a second round of $321,000 in redress checks in December 2019.

XXL Impressions LLC / J2 Response L.L.P. / Synergixx, LLC

The FTC and Maine AG's office filed a complaint and reached three settlements with dietary supplement marketers — XXL Impressions LLC, J2 Response L.L.P., and Synergixx, LLC — for allegedly using deceptively formatted radio infomercials disguised as talk shows and print ads featuring fictitious endorsers to market supplements (CogniPrin and FlexiPrin) claiming to improve memory and reduce back and joint pain. The settlement orders bar the respondents from making similar deceptive claims and prohibit a wide range of deceptive marketing practices. The FTC issued consumer refunds for CogniPrin purchasers in April 2015 and for FlexiPrin purchasers in August 2019.

Nobetes Corp.

Nobetes Corp. and its officers marketed and sold a pill called Nobetes, claiming it treats diabetes, with advertising the FTC found to be false or unsubstantiated. A December 2018 settlement prohibited the company from making unsubstantiated health claims, using deceptive 'free trial' offers, billing consumers without consent, and misusing expert endorsements and testimonials. The order also required consumer refunds, and in August 2019 the FTC returned $60,791 to affected consumers.

Gerber Products Co., doing business as Nestlé Nutrition, et al.

The FTC charged Gerber Products Co. (doing business as Nestlé Nutrition) with deceptively advertising that its Good Start Gentle infant formula prevents or reduces allergy risk in infants with a family history of allergies. The FTC also alleged Gerber falsely claimed these health claims were FDA-approved. A stipulated court order was entered as final, prohibiting Gerber from engaging in similar deceptive advertising conduct in the future.

Cure Encapsulations, Inc.

Cure Encapsulations, Inc. and its owner Naftula Jacobowitz settled FTC allegations that they made false and unsubstantiated efficacy claims for their garcinia cambogia weight-loss supplement. The FTC's complaint also alleged that the company paid a third-party website to write and post fake reviews on Amazon.com, marking the FTC's first case challenging a marketer's use of fake paid reviews on an independent retail website. The matter was resolved through a settlement agreement.

Crystal Ewing (Health Nutrition Products, LLC)

The FTC filed a federal lawsuit against Crystal Ewing and Health Nutrition Products, LLC, a dietary supplement marketer, for making misleading claims that its product could help treat and cure opiate addiction, including addiction to prescription pain medications and illegal drugs such as heroin. The enforcement action targeted unsubstantiated cure and treatment claims for a serious medical condition. The FTC sought to stop the deceptive marketing practices through federal court action.

NutriMost LLC

NutriMost LLC, a Pittsburgh-area weight loss program seller, was the subject of an FTC enforcement action resulting in consumer redress. The FTC mailed 3,483 refund checks totaling more than $1.95 million to consumers who purchased the NutriMost Ultimate Fat Loss System between October 1, 2012 and August 9, 2016. Each affected consumer received a refund of $560.54, indicating the FTC found the company's marketing claims for its fat loss system to be deceptive or unsubstantiated.

Anthony Dill, Staci Dill, Direct Alternatives and Original Organics LLC

The FTC, together with the Maine Attorney General's Office, took action against Maine-based sellers Anthony Dill, Staci Dill, Direct Alternatives, and Original Organics LLC for deceptively marketing weight-loss supplements. The enforcement resulted in a settlement that generated nearly $3.5 million in consumer redress, with 104,612 refund checks averaging $33.12 mailed to affected buyers. A related marketing company that created and disseminated advertisements for the weight-loss products was also named in the action.

Tarr Inc.

The FTC pursued enforcement action against Tarr Inc., a network of three individuals and 19 companies, for deceptive marketing of health products. The case resulted in consumer redress totaling more than $6 million distributed to approximately 227,995 affected consumers, with an average refund of $26.57 per consumer. The action reflects a broad deceptive-marketing finding across the Tarr Inc. enterprise.

Mikey & Momo, Inc. (Aromaflage)

The FTC brought an action against Mikey & Momo, Inc. (doing business as Aromaflage) and its individual officers for allegedly making unsubstantiated health claims related to their fragrance/insect-repellent products. The matter was resolved through a Part 2 Consent Order (Docket C-4655), which typically requires the respondents to have competent and reliable scientific evidence before making health-related claims. No specific dollar penalty is stated in the available document text, but the consent order imposes ongoing compliance obligations on the company and its officers.