Feds warn sites selling unproven bioterror cures

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Web site operators who suggest their products are effective against anthrax -- or other biological diseases -- must have scientific proof they work or risk being shut down, a federal agency warned Monday.

The Federal Trade Commission, after investigating about 200 Web sites, identified 40 as making false claims. Some of the sites suggest oregano oil or zinc mineral water can be used to treat anthrax.

The FTC has sent e-mail warnings to the site operators telling them to pull the information from their sites immediately or risk federal prosecution.

The e-mail states: "If your Web site includes any express or implied claim about the benefit of any product or therapy for anthrax, smallpox, or other disease that is not substantiated by competent and reliable scientific evidence, or is otherwise deceptive or fraudulent, you must discontinue these claims immediately." The e-mail asks operators to respond with information on the action they take.

The FTC and the Food and Drug Administration investigated Web sites claiming to protect, detect, prevent or treat biological and chemical agents. The agencies investigated Web sites selling gas masks and protective suits, mail sterilizer, biohazard test kits, homeopathic remedies and dietary supplements.

"This marketing targets people worried about the prospect of exposure to lethal biological or chemical weapons," said Howard Beals, FTC's director of consumer protection. "Essentially, these operators need to shut down these areas of their sites or face prosecution.

"Our best advice for consumers; Consult your physician immediately if you believe you may have been exposed to anthrax or any other biological agents."

Web sites and companies that violate the government's fraudulent claims act could be subject to a federal district court injunction, criminal contempt proceedings and civil penalties of up to $11,000 per violation.

Tips for consumers

The FDA has approved a limited number of products for the treatment of anthrax, including Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), doxycycline and penicillin G procaine.

"There are no products marketed as dietary supplements that have been proven safe or effective for the treatment or prevention of anthrax," said John Taylor, FDA director of the Office of Enforcement. "Together with the FTC, we've found quite a number of disturbing sites."

The FTC reminds consumers that the only approved treatments for anthrax require an approved prescription or vaccine.

It tells consumers they should:

• Talk to a health care provider before taking any medications;
• Be aware there are fraudulent Web sites;
• Know from whom they are buying;
• Do no business with Web sites that don't make pharmacists available for questions;
• Avoid sites not providing a business name, address and telephone number; and
• Purchase no drugs from foreign Web sites.

-- From CNN Consumer Safety Editor Julie Vallese.