FTC Charges Against Daniel Chapter One Upheld

WASHINGTON—Daniel Chapter One, a marketer of dietary supplements and online religious ministry, has been ordered by an administrative law judge to cease making false and unsubstantiated claims about the ability of its shark cartilage and herbal formulations to prevent, treat and cure cancer and heal the effects of chemotherapy and radiation; the judge’s decision upheld charges brought against the Portsmouth, R.I., firm by FTC. The company was originally targeted by FTC in September 2008, as part of “Operation False Cures,” the agency’s move to target Web sites promoting cures for cancer.

In his Aug. 5, 2009, decision, Judge D. Michael Chappell ordered Daniel Chapter One and owner James Feijo not to advertise that its supplements inhibit tumor formation or growth; eliminate tumors; treat or cure cancer; or heal the effects of radiation or chemotherapy unless the claim is true, non-misleading, and based on reliable scientific evidence. He also ordered them to notify customers who bought the products that the advertising claims made were false or unsubstantiated; and not to sell or otherwise disclose identifying information about the customers.

The judge’s initial decision in this matter is subject to review by FTC, and will become the final decision 30 days after it is served on respondents, unless either they file a timely notice of appeal or FTC places the case on its own docket for review.