Home shopping network ValueVision International Inc. has agreed to pay a $215,000 civil penalty to resolve allegations that it violated a previous Federal Trade Commission order by making unsubstantiated health claims for Physician’s RX, a dietary supplement.

In July 2001, the commission issued a complaint charging ValueVision with violating the FTC act by allegedly making unsubstantiated health-related claims for a variety of weight loss, cellulite treatment and anti-hair loss products. ValueVision agreed to a proposed consent agreement settling the FTC charges.

On Aug. 24, 2001, the commission issued an order requiring ValueVision–which operates ShopNBC– to have “competent and reliable scientific evidence” substantiating any claim that a food, drug or dietary supplement “can or will cure, treat, or prevent any disease, or have any effect on the structure or function of the human body.”

The FTC complaint alleges that ValueVision television spots for Physician’s RX, made claims without scientific evidence that the product reduces fatigue associated with taking prescription medications for ailments such as heart disease, high cholesterol, and diabetes; reduces fatigue associated with certain illnesses, including diabetes, lyme disease, sarcoidosis, and cancer; increases energy, stamina, and endurance within a week to 10 days; and relieves arthritis symptoms.

Home shopping network ValueVision International Inc. has agreed to pay a $215,000 civil penalty to resolve allegations that it violated a previous Federal Trade Commission order by making unsubstantiated health claims for Physician’s RX, a dietary supplement.

In July 2001, the commission issued a complaint charging ValueVision with violating the FTC act by allegedly making unsubstantiated health-related claims for a variety of weight loss, cellulite treatment and anti-hair loss products. ValueVision agreed to a proposed consent agreement settling the FTC charges.

On Aug. 24, 2001, the commission issued an order requiring ValueVision–which operates ShopNBC– to have “competent and reliable scientific evidence” substantiating any claim that a food, drug or dietary supplement “can or will cure, treat, or prevent any disease, or have any effect on the structure or function of the human body.”

The FTC complaint alleges that ValueVision television spots for Physician’s RX, made claims without scientific evidence that the product reduces fatigue associated with taking prescription medications for ailments such as heart disease, high cholesterol, and diabetes; reduces fatigue associated with certain illnesses, including diabetes, lyme disease, sarcoidosis, and cancer; increases energy, stamina, and endurance within a week to 10 days; and relieves arthritis symptoms.