FDA Puts the Squeeze on Olive Juice Supplement

“Olive juice was once a waste matter. Today we enjoy its amazing range of health benefits!”

So says Roberto Crea, CEO of CreAgri, Inc., on a company website that the FDA recently cited for making drug claims without the agency’s required approval. The unapproved drug claims — outlined in an Aug. 28 warning letter addressed to Crea — included claims that CreAgri’s olive juice-based products reduce joint inflammation and swelling, help in the production and repair of cartilage, and enhance the regrowth of damaged cells.

The FDA also cited three personal testimonials that it said supported its assertion that the company’s products were being promoted as drugs online. One went:

My son was diagnosed as having psoriasis when he was 12 years old. It was indeed heartbreaking for us to know of his condition. … I became very excited and hopeful when I stumble upon Olivenol at my local pharmacist. My son has been taking it for a few months and have [sic] shown improvement. …

The FDA is a stickler when it comes to drug claims. When a company is found making them without the agency’s approval, a warning letter is sent to the company, which is given 15 working days to respond or else face potential regulatory action.

For more on how the FDA polices the market, click here.