In a statement this week, the Direct Selling Association (DSA) expressed its continued support of the efforts made by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to stop false product claims connected to the COVID-19 virus.
“DSA statements and guidance issued since March of 2020 have been clear that unsubstantiated COVID-19 product claims and use of the pandemic to support the business opportunity are inappropriate,” said Joseph N. Mariano, DSA president. “Any violation of DSA standards will be handled by our independent Code Administrator. Specifically, we have supported these statements and guidance with the launch of the Direct Selling Compliance Professional Certification Program last year and the creation of a Compliance Officers Council. By identifying new ways to protect consumers and monitor the industry, DSA and its Board of Directors continue to work and establish strong compliance principles in the marketplace. We are committed to supporting rigorous consumer protection and ensuring there are no inappropriate claims as they can be dangerous and compromise the relationship our companies and salesforce members have with their customers.”
In addition to these recent efforts, the DSA also relies on an independent entity under the BBB National Programs that was established in partnership with the DSA, the Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC), to act against any companies or organizations that make false or misleading claims regarding products and the pandemic. To date, the DSSRC has reported nine cases to the FTC.
