Health Products

A multi-level marketing company supplying health products sought a written opinion in July 2007 on whether a proposed multi-level marketing plan would raise concerns under the Competition Act. The company made representations that one of their products could prevent or treat cancer and that another of their products could treat disorders of the liver and kidneys.

The Competition Bureau is obliged to ensure that operators of multi-level marketing plans who request an opinion are in compliance with the Act generally and has developed a policy concerning the issuance of opinions in those circumstances where a representation about the performance or efficacy of a product appears to raise a serious issue under the Act.

In this case, the Bureau declined to issue an opinion to the multi-level marketing company until the health-related representations about the products are reviewed by Health Canada and a Natural Product Number has been issued.

(3101533)