DSSRC Administrative Closure #20

DSSRC inquired about a social media post disseminated by the salesforce of a direct selling Company that came to DSSRC’s attention pursuant to its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising in the direct selling marketplace. DSSRC expressed concern that the post at issue conveyed unsubstantiated claims that the Company’s products can protect against COVID-19 virus.

The Company informed DSSRC that the post at issue was disseminated by a distributor in a country in Africa and it contacted the office in that country to have the post removed as soon as possible. The Company added that it has been training on this issue of unauthorized COVID-19 claims extensively and will continue to do so. DSSRC confirmed the day following the Company’s response that the social media post had been removed

DSSRC expressed its appreciation to the Company for its prompt efforts to remove the posts and cautioned the Company to pay particular attention to any future posts and claims suggesting that its products can treat COVID-19 and/or the symptoms associated with the condition. Based upon the Company to expeditiously remove the post, DSSRC administratively closed the inquiry.

(closed on 4/30/2020)