Vital Living Faces SEC Probe for Anthrax Test

Vital Living Products Inc., whose shares rose 61% after announcing its anthrax test was “certified” by an independent laboratory, is under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Sani-Pure Laboratories received a subpoena from the SEC’s San Francisco office demanding a copy of its lab report on the kits, said Sani-Pure director Ronald Schnitzer.

The agency issues subpoenas only after approving a formal order of investigation. An SEC spokesman declined to confirm or deny the existence of an investigation, citing agency policy.

Vital Living shares fell 45%, dropping 30 cents to 36 cents in over-the-counter trading.