Spoofed coronavirus treatment by chef Pete Evans criticized by health organizations, investigated by TGA

Posted

April 11, 2020 16:47:30

The Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) has announced a study of a $ 14,990 device developed by renowned chef Pete Evans for the treatment of coronavirus.

Since sharing the Instagram video, Evans has discussed BioCharger NG, a “hybrid subtle energy regeneration platform” that claims to “optimize and improve potential health, wellness and sports performance.”

It is listed under the Lifestyle Products section on Evans’ website and claims to replicate light, frequency, harmonics, pulsed electromagnetic fields, and voltages found in nature.

A judge at My Kitchen Rules asserted that the device was used most of the day and could help coronaviruses that killed more than 95,000 people in Australia and abroad.

“It’s programmed with a thousand different recipes and there are some out there for the Wuhan Coronavirus,” Evans said in a video.

The TGA said it would investigate the product and warned that the promotion of therapeutics was needed to meet certain requirements.

“TGA will investigate the products you refer to and take action in connection with illegal advertising of therapeutic products, including advertising on social media,” a Ministry of Health spokesman said in a statement.

“The TGA monitors non-compliance, especially with respect to the promotion of products that claim to prevent or treat COVID-19.”

Advanced Biotechnologies, the creator of BioCharger NG, has issued a statement that moves away from Evans’ claims.

A Massachusetts-based company repeats the disclaimer “ BioCharger NG is not a medical device ” on its product website and is not intended for use in diagnosing, treating, palliating, treating, or preventing illness or other conditions. not.

“Recent reports indicate that BioCharger is a new coronavirus treatment or cure,” the company said in a statement.

“BioCharger is not a medical device, so Advanced Biotechnology requires that primary care providers seek medical attention if they are experiencing COVID-19 or any other disease, infection, or illness. Recommended by local authorities, including social distance, strong personal hygiene, and contacting primary care providers when symptoms occur.

“BioCharger NG is provided through marketing agreements and influencer guidelines to encourage BioCharger NG owners, users, and promoters to use their best judgment when talking about BioCharger NG and above all else. To do.”

Health Association denounces advice

“There are serious concerns about anyone advertising a product that claims to cure COVID-19,” Antonio Didio, ACT chairman of the Australian Medical Association, told ABC.

“In about 220 countries, the COVID-19 virus cannot be completely cured, and scientists around the world are eager for vaccines and treatments, and we are convinced that they do not exist.”

“If Evans is advertising a product that claims to cure the virus, he is very simple and very wrong.”

Dr. Didio said the investigation was within the scope of the TGA, but said he was disappointed at this time that the time and resources needed to be diverted.

“If he claims to have the product, whether it is cheap or expensive … if he intends to cure COVID-19, it should be thoroughly investigated and its curative claims If there is no evidence to support this, all appropriate apologies should occur. “

“It’s a shame that we’re taking time and energy from those who should spend time and energy in the scientific pursuit of a cure for this disease.”

Dr. Didio’s comment was made after the association hit the social media “Fancy Light Machine”.

“This guy doesn’t understand it. Pete Evans is trying to sell a $ 15,000 fancy light machine to vulnerable and frightened people to protect them from # COVID-19,” said Twitter. Was.

“He is not a doctor. He is not a scientist. He is a chef.”

Harry Nessporon, president of the Australian Royal General Practitioner School, also criticized Evans.

“A few months ago, I insisted on anti-baxer / celebrity chef Pete Evans to talk about” activated almonds “and advised to leave the vaccination,” Nesporon wrote on Twitter. Was.

“He is doing it again,