Following an investigation by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), the Commonwealth Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has laid 12 charges against an individual for alleged criminal offences under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act).
The alleged offences relate to the advertising and supply of black salve, bloodroot capsules and other unapproved therapeutic goods. It is alleged that the individual made claims about the products' ability to treat serious health conditions, including anxiety and cancer.
The defendant faces a maximum penalty of 12 months' imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $222,000 for each charge.
The TGA strongly advises consumers against purchasing or using black salve or bloodroot capsules. There is no credible scientific evidence to substantiate the benefits of these products for the management of serious conditions.
Black salve and bloodroot capsules are derived from Sanguinaria canadensis (bloodroot), which contains sanguinarine, a substance included in Schedule 10 to the Poisons Standard. Schedule 10 substances are considered so dangerous to health that they are prohibited from sale, supply and use in Australia.
