FDA slams homeopaths for uncontrolled snake venom, germs in kids’ products

Enlarge / An Eastern diamondback rattlesnake milked for venom. (credit: Getty | Bloomberg)

In an ongoing crackdown on dubious homeopathic products, the US Food and Drug Administration posted warning letters on Monday to four homeopathic companies the agency said committed violations that put consumers at risk, including lacking quality controls for products containing snake venom as well as skipping safety testing for products intended for children.

"We're committed to continue taking appropriate actions when we believe patients are being put at risk by products that contain potentially harmful ingredients or have significant quality issues," FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said in a statement.

One of the chided companies, Red Mountain Incorporated, based in Florida, was found to lack all quality controls for its homeopathic product said to contain components of snake venom. "Without an adequate QU [Quality Unit], you lack the ability to ensure the safety, identity, strength, quality, and purity of your drug product," the agency wrote in its letter.

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