FTC Orders Web Sites to Stop Anthrax Claims

U.S. consumer protection regulators warned the operators of 40 Internet sites they may be fined if they don’t drop claims that dietary supplements can cure anthrax infection and smallpox.

The Federal Trade Commission said it sent e-mail warnings to operators of World Wide Web sites that claim products such as oregano oil or zinc mineral oil can cure anthrax infection, smallpox and other diseases that may be spread by bioterrorists. Such sites proliferated after the deaths of four people, including two U.S. Postal Service workers, from anthrax infection, the FTC said.

Internet sites that promote gas masks, protective suits, mail sterilizers and products to detect the presence of anthrax also were warned to drop deceptive claims, the FTC said.

The FTC can seek $11,000 in daily civil penalties and criminal contempt citations as well as consumer refunds.