Related Federal Cases
100+ Charged in Nationwide Dietary Supplement Crackdown
In a major blow to the dietary supplement industry, the U.S. government has brought civil and criminal cases against over 100 companies and individuals who have been misrepresenting ingredients, making unsupported health claims, and even lacing products with undeclared substances.
At the forefront of this crackdown is Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch, who recorded a video message as part of National Consumer Protection Week. In her message, she emphasized the importance of protecting American consumers from the dangers posed by rogue dietary supplement manufacturers.
"Some of these supplements are simply a waste of money, promising results they can’t deliver or advertising ingredients that they don’t contain," Attorney General Lynch stated. "And too often, these supplements don’t just abuse consumer trust – they also endanger public health. Some contain harmful ingredients, causing consumers to fall ill. Others falsely claim to cure illness and disease, leading patients to use them as a substitute for the proven therapies they need."
One particularly egregious example cited by Attorney General Lynch is the case against USPlabs, a company that sold workout and weight loss supplements. The company’s executives were accused of claiming that their products were made from natural plant extracts, when in fact, they were made from untested synthetic chemicals from China. In several cases, consumers suffered severe liver damage, and although the company was allegedly aware of the risks their product posed, they continued to sell it to consumers, compromising the health and well-being of thousands of Americans.
The Justice Department is determined to hold bad actors in the dietary supplement industry accountable for their actions. "The Justice Department is committed to working with our partners across the federal government to protect the health and safety of all Americans," Attorney General Lynch said. "We are bringing civil and criminal cases against more than 100 makers and marketers of supplements who were violating federal law."
Consumers are also being urged to take precautions when choosing dietary supplements. Attorney General Lynch recommends visiting the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission websites, where consumers can find useful information about dietary supplements. Additionally, she suggests using tools developed by the Department of Defense and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, including a smartphone app, to help make informed choices. And above all, if consumers are considering taking a dietary supplement, they should talk to a doctor first.
"The American people deserve nothing less," Attorney General Lynch concluded. "We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the products you choose are safely manufactured, accurately labeled, and honestly marketed."
The full video of Attorney General Lynch’s message is available at https://www.
Key Facts
- State: Federal
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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