LinkedIn Posts Mentioned in Warning Letter
All social media is “fair game” for enforcement
It is no surprise that company social media posts are considered marketing claims, as they are commonly mentioned in warning letters. Interestingly, this letter references posts made on LinkedIn. This is a new aspect of enforcement, as previously, I have only seen claims made on a company's LinkedIn page mentioned in warning letters. I find it interesting the FDA is looking at actual posts on LinkedIn, which is an important reminder that all marketing must be compliant and is "fair game" for regulatory scrutiny.
This warning letter is Covid-related, which, of course, is a very high risk; however, it is a reminder that hashtags and reposting content elevate risk. In this example, a "Covid study" is shared, and the material connection is solidified with a covid hashtag and a hashtag containing the product's name.
From Warning Letter
"More evidence that respiratory diseases should be treated in the nose and throat! .... # biovanta # science # covid" [from a post on your social media webpage at...."
Read the full warning letter here.
This joint FDA and FTC warning letter includes an FTC cease and desist prohibiting the company from making future Covid claims. This sets the FTC up to potentially impose financial penalties and has more "teeth" than a standard warning letter.
Disclaimer: The educational information provided here is for informational purposes only. Contact an attorney for specific legal advice. Rule #1 in compliance is to ensure marketing is truthful and not misleading.