DSSRC Administrative Closure #88

The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company regarding two Facebook post disseminated by its salesforce members. The subject claims and 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 communicated the message that the Company’s products can protect consumers from COVID-19. One post states “Stay safe during COVID-19. Boost your immune system today.” The second post states “Boost your immune system…your health is our priority” accompanied by an image of the Company’s products with copy stating, “BEST IMMUNE BOOSTER.” 

As DSSRC has noted in previous inquiries, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and the Food Drug Administration have all stated that there are no approved vaccines, drugs or investigational products currently available to treat or prevent COVID-19. 

In its response, the Company notes that it alerted the independent salesforce members of the posts and that the claims being made were in violation of the Company’s policies and procedures. 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 posts.

(closed on 10/09/2020)