DSSRC Administrative Closure #89

The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company regarding one Facebook post disseminated by its salesforce member. The social media post came to DSSRC’s attention pursuant to its independent monitoring of advertising in the direct selling marketplace. Specifically, DSSRC expressed concern that this social media posts communicated that the Company’s products can protect consumers from COVID-19. The social media post referenced boosting the immune system and was accompanied by a coronavirus hashtag.

In its response, the Company promptly removed the social media post. The Company also noted that its marketing materials will be updated to state that the Company’s products are not intended to treat or prevent COVID-19. DSSRC agreed that the actions taken by the Company were necessary and appropriate and is consistent with the direction provided from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and the Food Drug Administration which have all stated that there are no approved vaccines, drugs or investigational products currently available to treat or prevent COVID-19. 

Based upon the Company’s prompt removal of all the posts at issue, DSSRC administratively closed its inquiry pursuant to section 2(II)(6) of the DSSRC Procedures. DSSRC was appreciative of the Company’s prompt reply and actions to remove the social media post.

(closed on 10/22/2020)

 

Subscribe to the Ad Law Insights or Privacy Initiatives newsletters for an exclusive monthly analysis and insider perspectives on the latest trends and case decisions in advertising law and data privacy.

 

 

 

 

Latest Decisions

Decision

National Advertising Division Recommends Blueprint Test Preparation Discontinue Certain MCAT Score Improvement Claims

New York, NY – April 22, 2024 – The National Advertising Division recommended Blueprint Test Preparation discontinue certain express and implied claims made in connection with its four MCAT preparation courses, including claims that Blueprint students raise their MCAT scores by 15 or 13 points on average.

Read the Decision Summary
Decision

National Advertising Division Recommends The Princeton Review Discontinue Point Increase Claims for MCAT Test Preparation Services

New York, NY – April 18, 2024 – In a Fast-Track SWIFT challenge, the National Advertising Division recommended that The Princeton Review (TPR) discontinue claims that its students “Score a 515+ on the MCAT or add 15 points depending on your starting score. Guaranteed or your money back.”

Read the Decision Summary
Decision

Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council Recommends Trades of Hope Discontinue Salesforce Member Earnings Claims

McLean, VA – April 17, 2024 – The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) recommended that Trades of Hope discontinue certain earnings claims made by salesforce members on Facebook and YouTube. 

Read the Decision Summary
Decision

National Advertising Division Recommends Lily of the Desert Nutraceuticals Discontinue “100% Pure Avocado Oil” Claim for Tropical Plantation Avocado Oil

New York, NY – April 15, 2024 – The National Advertising Division recommended that Lily of the Desert Nutraceuticals discontinue the claim “100% Pure Avocado Oil” for its Tropical Plantation Avocado Oil and avoid conveying the unsupported message that the product is 100% pure avocado...

Read the Decision Summary