U.S. Marshals have seized approximately $71,000 in shipments of supplements that were being illegally marketed as treatments for a variety of diseases, including diabetes, anemia, and hypertension.

The supplements’ owners were FulLife Natural Options, Inc., of Boca Raton, Fla., which marketed and distributed Charantea Ampalaya Capsules and Charantea Ampalaya Tea.

The FDA says:

Although these products are labeled as dietary supplements, they are being promoted by FulLife for use in treating serious conditions, such as diabetes, anemia, and hypertension. These claims are evident in the products’ labeling, including promotional literature and FulLife’s Internet Web site.

The agency takes seriously its responsibility to protect Americans from unapproved drugs. FDA considers these products to be unapproved new drugs because they make claims related to the prevention or treatment of diseases in the products’ labeling. Before a new drug product may be legally marketed, it must be shown to be safe and effective, and approved by FDA.

Approximately $71,000 of Dietary Supplements Seized at FDA Request [FDA]

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