The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have filed a lawsuit accusing a Missouri chiropractor and his business of violating the COVID-19 Consumer Protection Act. The case centers around deceptive marketing practices related to vitamin D and zinc supplements that were allegedly promoted as treatments for COVID-19.
Legal Action Against Misleading Claims
In a complaint filed in the Eastern District of Missouri, the DOJ and FTC have alleged that Quickwork LLC, a company based in St. Louis, and its owner Eric Anthony Nepute falsely advertised their supplements under the brand name “Wellness Warrior.” The government claims that the products, which included vitamin D and zinc, were marketed as effective for preventing or treating COVID-19 without any scientific evidence to back such claims.
Additionally, the lawsuit states that Nepute and his company suggested their supplements could be more effective than COVID-19 vaccines. This alleged misinformation is the basis for the federal government’s pursuit of civil penalties and a court order to prevent further deceptive advertising.
First Enforcement of the COVID-19 Consumer Protection Act
This lawsuit marks the first time the COVID-19 Consumer Protection Act, passed by Congress in December 2020, has been enforced. The act specifically targets false advertising practices related to the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of COVID-19. The FTC Act, which governs unfair or deceptive practices in commerce, is also cited in the lawsuit.
The FTC emphasized that Nepute’s claims that his products could serve as substitutes for approved vaccines were especially concerning. Acting FTC Chairwoman Rebecca Kelly Slaughter underscored the urgency of combating false health claims that could put consumers at risk, especially during a global pandemic.
Previous Warnings Ignored
This lawsuit follows a warning issued to Nepute by the FTC in May 2020. In a Facebook Live video, Nepute had claimed that chiropractic adjustments and vitamin supplements, including high-dose vitamin C injections, were essential for boosting the immune system and preventing COVID-19. The FTC’s warning letter instructed Nepute to cease making these misleading claims about his ability to treat or prevent the virus.
Despite this warning, the lawsuit alleges that Nepute and Quickwork LLC continued to promote their products with unfounded claims, encouraging viewers to disregard official health guidelines and suggesting that their products offered superior protection against COVID-19. According to the complaint, between June 2020 and February 2021, Nepute posted hundreds of videos on social media, many of which were viewed millions of times, continuing to make these false assertions.
A Growing Concern for Public Health
The case highlights the ongoing challenge of regulating misleading health claims in the supplement industry, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. With millions of viewers exposed to deceptive advertisements, the need for stringent enforcement against false marketing has never been clearer. The federal government’s legal action aims to send a strong message about the importance of truthful advertising in the health and wellness sector.
At the time of writing, Nepute and his company have not responded to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit.
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