DSSRC Administrative Closure #33

DSSRC contacted a direct selling company about two 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 two Facebook posts disseminated by salesforce members conveyed unsubstantiated product, health and wellness benefits that the Company’s direct selling products can protect against COVID-19.

The first post contained a generic support immune system claim but added that one’s immune system is the best defense against all viruses including the corona virus. The second contained an immune boosting, virus fighting claim.

With respect to first post, the direct selling company determined that the video was posted by an active distributor living in the United States and was able to promptly have the post removed. With respect the second post, the Company determined that the claim was not made by an active distributor and was made in a foreign market. Nonetheless, the Company worked to contact the individual who made the post and, after some correspondence, had the post removed.

DSSRC expressed its appreciation to the Company for its expedited efforts to remove these posts. Based upon prompt actions taken by the Company to remove the posts, DSSRC administratively closed the inquiry.

(closed on 6/1/2020)