Newton-based Natural Solutions Foundation, along with its trustees Ralph Fucetola and Rima Laibow, allegedly distributed a product called “nano silver,” which they claimed could treat, prevent and cure COVID-19, according to the DOJ.
The three parties and the DOJ agreed to a settlement, dated Dec. 27, in the U.S. District Court in Newark. Under the agreement, the company will recall the “nano silver products” and destroy any current product in their possession. It also agreed to notify the U.S Food and Drug Administration before the distribution of any drugs in the future and allow federal officials to inspect its facilities and procedures.
“Marketing unproven products as treatments for COVID-19 endangers public health and violates the law,” Brian Boynton, an acting assistant attorney general within the DOJ’s Civil Division, said in a statement.
Federal officials said that Natural Solutions Foundation claimed that a customer that takes “1 cap full… a day” should have “no fear or concern” about COVID-19.
Neither Natural Solutions nor its attorney could be reached for comment.
In 2014, the FDA and Federal Trade Commission warned Natural Solutions Foundation affiliate Natural Health Solutions to cease the alleged promotion of the same nano silver product as a cure for Ebola.
“Defendants’ historical willingness to flout the law in the face of government warnings, and their continued assertion that their product is just “On Hold” and that their activity is lawful demonstrate the necessity of a permanent injunction to protect the public health in the midst of the ongoing pandemic,” federal officials said at the time.
Federal officials said that anyone with information about attempted fraud surrounding COVID-19 can call the Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud’s hotline at 866-720-5721 or via their online complaint form.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
