AEGiS-Bangkok Post: V-1 IMMUNITOR: Licences withdrawn over HIV/Aids claims - Execs face hefty fine and three years in jail

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

V-1 IMMUNITOR: Licences withdrawn over HIV/Aids claims - Execs face hefty fine and three years in jail

Bangkok Post - April 24, 2003
Aphaluck Bhatiasevi

The National Food Commission has decided to revoke the manufacturing and sales licences for the controversial food supplements V-1, V-2, V-3 and V-4 Immunitors, saying they were sub-standard products whose effectiveness as a cure for HIV/Aids had been exaggerated.

Food and Drug Administration secretary-general Supachai Khunaratanaphruk said after a meeting of the commission yesterday the manufacturer continued to insist its products could cure Aids, though they were registered only as food supplements.

Dr Supachai said the licences would be revoked because the company had misled the public with its claims.

"The commission's decision was made in the interests of consumers," he said. "This food additive does not posses the benefits or qualities that have been advertised."

Apart from the revocation of licences for the products, the manufacturer faces a maximum penalty of a 30,000-baht fine and three years in prison for making false claims.

It is also liable to a fine of up to 10,000 baht for failing to meet Thai-language requirements on the packaging of its products.

Dr Supachai said the firm intended to move its production facilities from the current plant, in the Bang Prakong district of Chachoengsao province, which was being operated without a valid licence from the FDA.

The manufacturers were given 15 days to appeal the National Food Commission's decision.

Immunitors were mostly sold over the counter and had proved most popular among patients of Ban Bangprakong Clinic in Chachoengsao, despite constant reminders from the Public Health Ministry there was no proof the products could cure Aids.

0304224
BP030404

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2003. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2003. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .