Internet and Health Fraud Team at FDA

http://www.fda.gov/Cder/Offices/DNDLC/hfimain.htm
Division of New Drugs and Labeling Compliance
Internet and Health Fraud Team

The Internet and Health Fraud Team is the focal point for fraudulentproducts. The IHF team also evaluates nontraditional and homeopathicproducts. The regulation of nontraditional drugs resulted indirectlyfrom a four-year Congressional review of the impact of quackery on theelderly. The report specifically identified ways that the agency canaddress Health Fraud issues in the United States.The purpose of the IHF team is to detect fraudulent drug products thatpose a health hazard to the public through deceptive and misleadingpromotions. These products include those that are likely to:Directly cause death, injury, or other serious adverse effects when usedas directed, andIndirectly cause harm to consumers who rely on an ineffective productwith exaggerated or false claims resulting in delay or discontinued useof appropriate medial treatment.The Health Fraud and Internet Team is Responsible for:Protect the public health by assuring compliance with the new drug adnmisbranding requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act(FD&C Act).Prioritize unapproved new drugs identified for regulatory action usingrisk-based assessment and develop comlpiance strategies to address themost significant legal violations.Providing guidance to the Districts in headquarters-issued assignmentsand Drug Fraud Bulletins, and furnishing Districts with information andreports of surveillance concerning health fraud products.Consulting and advising the districts concerning surveillanceinvestigations and candidates for enforcement.Approving or disapproving regulatory sanctions and supporting litigationarising from this program.Maintaining contacts with other federal components to assure thatconsumers are properly advised about fraudulent products on the market.