Feds Indict Supplement Maker Vibrant Life

The Department of Justice filed criminal charges against Sylmar-based supplement maker Vibrant Life on Tuesday. The brand, operated by Clifford Woods LLC, was charged with illegally marketing and selling products as treatments for several diseases – including Alzheimer’s and cancer. Prosecutors claim that the Vibrant Life products Taheebo Life Tea, Life Glow Plus, Germanium and Organic Sulfur were marketed and sold as treatments for diseases without Food and Drug Administration approval. Because the products are marketed as treatments and cures, they fall under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act as new drugs. “The drugs have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are not exempt from approval under the Act. Defendants therefore violate the Act by introducing the drugs into interstate commerce,” the complaint states. According to the complaint, Clifford Woods LLC received a warning letter from the FDA in August 2013 stating that it was selling and marketing non-FDA approved drugs. The company responded, promising that its labeling and websites would be updated to comply with FDA standards. Prosecutors allege adjustments were never made. The indictment came as part of a year-long nationwide sweep conducted by the Department of Justice in which criminal charges were brought against 100 supplement makers, including two additional Southern California companies in Anaheim and Irvine. Attempts to reach Clifford Woods LLC for comment were not immediately answered.