A massive recall of homeopathic kids’ products is putting a spotlight health claims. King Bio voluntarily recalled 32 products marketed to children and infants due to microbial contamination.
The products are used to treat teething, cough, rashes, colic, bed-wetting and other conditions are marketed under the brand name SafeCareRX.
“Homeopathic products are not based on accepted scientific beliefs,” says Dr. Pam Sanders, a pediatrician with Kelsey-Seabold Clinic.
“We try to espouse what we called evidence-based medicine, which means there are some studies and good evidence behind the things we recommend, and that is definitely lacking in the world of homeopathic medicines.”
Just last year, the Food and Drug Administration announced a crackdown on safety regulations for homeopathic products. The Federal Trade Administration followed with an investigation over labeling.
Dr. Sanders says she often fields questions from parents about homeopathic medicines.
“I try to explain to parents this is a waste of money,” she says. “We have no proof of benefit from homeopathic medicines by definition, and certainly in the case of these particular recalls we've got some worries about contamination.”
She says if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.