Friday, September 19, 2008

FTC warns consumers about bogus cancer cures

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Federal Trade Commission charged five companies with making false and misleading claims for cancer cures and said Thursday that it has reached settlements with six others. "As long as products have been sold there has been somebody out there selling snake oil to consumers," said Lydia Parnes, director of the FTC's bureau of consumer protection.

She said the agency, along with the Food and Drug Administration and Canadian authorities, is launching a consumer education campaign warning about bogus claims for cures."There is no credible scientific evidence that any of the products marketed by these companies can prevent, cure, or treat cancer of any kind," said Parnes.The products the companies marketed include essiac teas and other herbal mixtures, laetrile, black salve — a corrosive ointment — and mushroom extracts.

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