FDA Removes Webpage Warning Against Dangerous Fake Autism Treatments
The Food and Drug Administration has quietly removed a webpage from its official website that warned the public about potentially dangerous products and therapies falsely claiming to treat autism. The page, titled "Be Aware of Potentially Dangerous Products and Therapies that Claim to Treat Autism," highlighted significant health risks associated with unproven treatments such as drinking raw camel's milk, chelation therapies, and chlorine dioxide solutions.
Removal of Critical Health Warnings
An archived version of the webpage stated that the FDA plays a crucial role in warning companies against making improper claims about products intended to treat autism or its symptoms. However, this warning is no longer accessible on the FDA's site. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the FDA, the page was "retired" during a routine cleanup of dated content in January. A spokesperson noted that other older articles were also removed as part of this process.
Zoe Gross, a director at the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, expressed concern to ProPublica, stating, "It may be an older page, but those warnings are still necessary. People are still being preyed on by these alternative treatments like chelation and chlorine dioxide. Those can both kill people."
Specific Dangers Highlighted on the Removed Page
The removed page included explicit warnings about several hazardous products:
- Chlorine dioxide, marketed as a "miracle mineral supplement," is a bleaching agent toxic to humans and can lead to life-threatening situations.
- Raw camel's milk, sometimes promoted as an autism treatment, can carry foodborne illnesses.
- Chelation therapies, which remove toxic heavy metals like lead, are not approved for autism treatment and require a prescription and professional supervision due to risks.
These alternative treatments often target individuals skeptical of modern medicine or preferring natural approaches, but they pose serious health risks, particularly to children.
Context Under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The removal coincides with changes in autism-related information under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has a history of promoting unproven theories about autism. Since taking office, Kennedy has advocated for views linking acetaminophen use in pregnancy to autism, a claim rejected by many medical professionals. He has also been scrutinized for spreading misinformation about vaccines and autism.
While the FDA maintains a webpage on "health fraud scams," the autism section currently lists no specific medicines or treatments. In contrast, other health organizations, such as the UK's National Health Service, the Autism Science Foundation, and the Autism Research Institute, continue to host warnings against unproven autism therapies.
The Independent has inquired with the FDA regarding plans to create a new warning page, but no response has been provided at this time. This development raises questions about public access to critical health information amid ongoing debates over autism treatment and misinformation.
