DSSRC Administrative Closure #89

The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) contacted a direct selling company regarding one Facebook post disseminated by its salesforce member. The social media post came to DSSRC’s attention pursuant to its independent monitoring of advertising in the direct selling marketplace. Specifically, DSSRC expressed concern that this social media posts communicated that the Company’s products can protect consumers from COVID-19. The social media post referenced boosting the immune system and was accompanied by a coronavirus hashtag.

In its response, the Company promptly removed the social media post. The Company also noted that its marketing materials will be updated to state that the Company’s products are not intended to treat or prevent COVID-19. DSSRC agreed that the actions taken by the Company were necessary and appropriate and is consistent with the direction provided from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and the Food Drug Administration which have all stated that there are no approved vaccines, drugs or investigational products currently available to treat or prevent COVID-19. 

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 post.

(closed on 10/22/2020)