DSSRC Administrative Closure #51

DSSRC contacted a direct selling company about three social media posts disseminated by its salesforce members. The subject social media posts came to DSSRC’s attention pursuant to its independent monitoring of advertising in the direct selling marketplace. Specifically, DSSRC expressed concern that the social media posts conveyed unsubstantiated product, health and wellness benefits that the Company’s direct selling products can protect against COVID-19.

The first post in question alleged that the Company’s products act as a Coronavirus preventative. The second post claims that by taking the Company’s products, an individual can help reduce the damage that is done by COVID-19. The last post claims that a Nobel Prize winning scientist claims that the problem with the COVID-19 virus is “oxidative stress.” The post goes on to claim that the Company’s products can help lower your oxidative stress and therefore boost your immune system and combat COVID-19.

In response to DSSRC’s inquiry, the Company was appreciative of DSSRC bringing these issues to their attention. The Company informed DSSRC that these were old posts and they had previously contacted the salesforce members in order to have the posts removed and also suspended their accounts.

DSSRC expressed its appreciation to the Company for its efforts in removing the post. As a result of the prompt actions taken by the Company, DSSRC administratively closed the inquiry.

(closed 7/7/2020)