NEW YORK - Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced
that his office issued cease and desist letters to seven companies that
market products with claims that the products prevent or protect against
Zika virus even though the products are known to be ineffective for
that purpose. The letters demand that the companies selling
these products stop advertising them as “Zika-protective” or
“Zika-preventive.” The Attorney General also issued a consumer alert
warning New Yorkers about the deceptive ads and directing them to
evidence-based Zika prevention measures that have been recommended by
public health authorities. Attorney General Schneiderman was joined for
the announcement by NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett and
State Senator Adriano Espaillat.
“New Yorkers are understandably concerned about Zika virus and looking for ways to protect themselves and their families,” Attorney General Schneiderman
said. “Unfortunately, some companies are taking advantage of public
concern about Zika to peddle products that simply don’t work. My office
will not tolerate deceptive advertising of products that provide only a
false sense of security against a real threat.”
State Senator Adriano Espaillat said, “It
is completely unacceptable for companies to deceive their customers,
and it is particularly heinous when their deception could negatively
impact the public's health. I am proud to join Attorney General Eric T.
Schneiderman, a tireless consumer advocate, to tell these companies
that we will not tolerate these practices in New York.”
“The only products that provide effective protection from
mosquito bites contain DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and an
insect repellent called IR3535 – all other products are a waste of money
and may put you at risk of being bitten,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett.
“We continue to remind women who are pregnant or trying to become
pregnant to not travel to a Zika-affected area – that includes most of
Latin America and the Caribbean, and a neighborhood in Miami, Florida.
Because of the risk of sexual transmission, partners of pregnant women
should consider staying away from these areas, too.”
Click here for the full article.
Source: The Office of Attorney General Eric Schneiderman
No comments:
Post a Comment