DSSRC Administrative Closure #173

The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) contacted a direct selling company (the “Company”) regarding one YouTube video and two Facebook posts disseminated by Company salesforce members. DSSRC expressed concern that the video and the posts communicated the message that the Company’s products are effective as a treatment for several serious health conditions. In the YouTube video, the salesforce member references the immune boosting efficacy of the Company’s products with the current pandemic, which DSSRC was concerned could be reasonably interpreted to mean that the products are effective against COVID-19. The first Facebook post was presented in the form of a consumer testimonial and indicated that the Company’s product was effective to treat migraine headaches. The second Facebook post discussed how the Company’s product alleviated symptoms of autism. 

The posts were identified by DSSRC pursuant to its ongoing, independent monitoring of the direct selling industry.

Shortly after DSSRC brought these posts to the attention of the Company, the Company informed DSSRC that the Company had previously identified the video and posts internally and were already in the process of effectuating removal. The company took several, additional steps to contact the salesforce members responsible for the social media posts. The video and both posts were disabled within a week after receipt of the DSSRC inquiry.

DSSRC appreciated the Company’s prompt efforts in reviewing and removing the posts that were brought to its attention. As a result of the Company’s actions, DSSRC administratively closed this inquiry.

(closed on 6/8/2021)