The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has again investigated a company that it advertises chlorine dioxide products as a way to treat, prevent, or otherwise cure COVID-19. The agency has sent a warning letter to OCLO Nanotechnology Science, saying it and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have reviewed a website and social media accounts used by the company.
Among other things, the FDA said OCLO has been supplying chlorine dioxide in the U.S. through an eCrater storefront as an "unapproved and mislabeled" COVID-19 treatment and prevention product. "We ask you to take immediate action to stop selling any unapproved and unauthorized products that are used to alleviate, prevent, treat, diagnose, or cure COVID-19," the agency said in the letter. ”
The FDA says the products the company has been offering include OCLO 3000 (Gotero) — an immune enhancer and antiviral, an aqueous solution containing 3,000 ppm chlorine dioxide. The FDA letter states that OCLO, in marketing the product, claims that it could, among other things, be "used to fight a large number of viral infections, including COVID-19."
This isn't the first time the FDA has pursued a company for selling unapproved or authorized products as a way to prevent, treat, or cure COVID-19. The agency maintains a growing list of sellers accused of selling "fraudulent" COVID-19 products, and for years it has warned the public not to drink chlorine dioxide or sodium chlorite products.
These products are sold under different names and different marketing propositions. The FDA notes that chlorine dioxide is a "strong bleaching agent" that is used as a disinfectant. Drinking this substance can cause serious health problems, including severe dehydration, fatal hypotension, liver failure, and more.