Regulators are taking aiming at companies marketing products on the Internet that claim to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure the H1N1 flu virus. Such products “are illegal and a potentially significant threat to the public health,” the FDA said today in a news release . Since May 1, the agency has identified 104 such claims and products marketed on the Internet that weren’t authorized by the FDA (see the complete list here ) and issued 50 warning letters. Two-thirds of the Web sites have since removed the offending claims or products, it said. “We are committed to aggressively pursuing those who attempt to take advantage of a public health emergency

by promoting and marketing unapproved, uncleared, or unauthorized products,” FDA chief Margaret A. Hamburg, said in the statement. “We have achieved some success and will remain vigilant in our efforts to protect consumers from these fraudulent, potentially dangerous products.” In addition to products like gloves, masks and dietary supplements, the list of fraudulent products included more unusual products as well, including a shampoo, a nasal sanitizer and a spray that that coats one’s hands with a layer of protective “ionic silver” . Universal Health Sciences, which makes Ionic Silver, couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.

Read more: 
FDA Targets Fake Web Claims for H1N1 Products