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Recalls & Warnings
ConsumerLab.com is keeping you informed with current product recalls and warnings.
Posted February 01, 2022
Complaint Submitted to FTC for doTerra Essential Oil COVID Claims
On January 28, 2022, the website truthinadvertising.org submitted a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) against doTerra International, LLC. following a series of Zoom calls from the company titled "Protocols for the Current Climate." According to the official complaint submitted to the FTC, "four high-level doTerra distributors and medical professionals, Tina Wong, MD, Lisa Ma, MD, Eliza Bacot, ACNP, and host Lauren Busch, RN, participated in a Zoom presentation…in which they unabashedly promoted multiple doTerra products claiming they could prevent, treat and/or mitigate the symptoms of COVID-19."
For example, the first Zoom call, which focused on "COVID prevention basics," was held on January 12th. Dr. Tina Wong stated that attendees should "find your favorite immune oil that you have around and use it, use it frequently, use it all three ways (internally, topically, and aromatically)…My favorites are On Guard and oregano." The two oils mentioned are doTerra essential oils. Truthinadvertising.org also noted that this suggestion was made in the presentation before CDC recommendations such as hand washing, use of masks, and other basic precautions.
The company has received warnings from the FDA in the past for making claims that its products could prevent or treat illness. For example, in 2020 the company was warned for unsupported claims that essential oils can treat the coronavirus, as well as for deceptive earnings claims. The company was also warned in 2014 for drug claims after doTerra promoted essential oils for treating the flu, MRSA, measles and more.
(For more information about essential oils and other natural products promoted for COVID, see ConsumerLab's answer to the question: Do any supplements help with the coronavirus (COVID-19)? Do supplements like vitamin D, zinc, vitamin C, or herbals work?)
For more information, use the link below.
See related recalls and warnings:
Ten Multi-Level Marketing Companies Warned for Coronavirus and Deceptive Earnings Claims
Seller Warned for Promoting Essential Oils to Treat Flu, MRSA, Measles, and More
Sellers of Essential Oils, Hand Sanitizers and More Warned for Coronavirus Claims
Six More Multi-Level Marketing Companies Warned for Coronavirus and Deceptive Earnings Claims
FDA Warns Sellers of Essential Oils, CBD, Vitamins, and More Promoted to Treat Coronavirus
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