FDA Targets Peddlers of Natural Remedies Touted as Virus Aids

Two companies marketing essential and botanical oils as treatments for the coronavirus are drawing scrutiny from the Food and Drug Administration.

The FDA issued warning letters Tuesday to Hopewell Essential Oils and Santiste Labs LLC over claims on their websites that their products bolster the body’s immune system against the coronavirus or alleviate symptoms of Covid-19.

The FDA has been taking “urgent measures” during the pandemic to protect consumers from products that claim to prevent, treat, or cure the disease, according to the letters. The Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission also have taken steps to stop coronavirus scams. ...