Massive herbal-supplement scam uncovered: Walmart, Target, GNC accused of selling bogus products

An investigation by the NY attorney general found many contain cheap fillers like houseplant and powdered rice

(Credit: Niloo via Shutterstock)

JOANNA ROTHKOPF-TUESDAY, FEB 3, 2015

On Monday, New York State’s Attorney General Eric Schneiderman instructed Target, GNC, Walgreens and Walmart to immediately cease selling a number of scam herbal supplements. An investigation revealed that best-selling supplements not only didn’t work, but were potentially dangerous, with four out of five of the products not even listing any herbs in their ingredients–instead, the supplements contained fillers including powdered rice, houseplants and asparagus. Fraudulent products include echinacea, ginseng, St. John’s wort, garlic, ginkgo biloba and saw palmetto.

In total, only 21 percent of store brand herbal supplements contained plants listed on the labels.

“Mislabeling, contamination and false advertising are illegal,” said Schneiderman. “They also pose unacceptable risks to New York families — especially those with allergies to hidden ingredients.”

These drugs are not subject to the F.D.A.’s approval because of a loophole in a 1994 federal law (spearheaded by Utah Sen. Orrin G. Hatch who received funding from supplement makers), fraudulent products can easily reach consumers without accountability or oversight.

The New York Times’ Anahad O’Connor has the story: