Visitors and buyers of oregano products should be fully aware that, in August 2008, the Federal Trade Commission took action against some marketers of oregano oil products. The action charged that claims about the health benefits of oregano oil and capsules were false and unsubstantiated in violation of federal law. Here is text from the FTC news release:

According to the FTC’s complaint, North American Herb & Spice Co., LLC, and its owner, Judy Kay Gray, falsely claimed that Oreganol P73, Super Strength Oreganol P73, and Oregacyn (currently sold as OregaRESP) are scientifically proven to prevent or treat colds and flu. The defendants also claimed that the products boost the immune system and kill a variety of germs and pathogens, including cold and flu viruses, avian bird flu virus, hepatitis C, Staphylococcus aureus, Helicobacter pylori, mold, parasites, and yeasts. Sold at prices ranging from $29.99 to $69.99, the products purportedly contain P73, which is described as wild, handpicked Mediterranean oregano. The products were advertised on Web sites, including www.p-73.com, and in magazines such as Alternative Medicine, H2O, Health Supplement Retailer, and Women’s Health & Fitness.

The final order imposes a $2.5 million judgment and places restrictions on the defendants’ future conduct. It prohibits them from claiming that their products prevent or treat colds or flu, are clinically tested or scientifically proven to be effective, or have other health or safety benefits, unless the claims are true, not misleading, and based on reliable scientific evidence. In addition, the defendants are banned from misrepresenting the existence, validity, results, or conclusions of any test or study. The order also contains standard record-keeping provisions to allow the FTC to monitor compliance.

The FTC would like to acknowledge the National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus for their referral related to this case.

The Commission vote to authorize staff to file the complaint and stipulated final order was 4-0. The documents were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The court entered the order on August 4, 2008.