Caveman Nutrition Pty Ltd, The Cave Nutrition Store Pty Ltd and their director fined $208,000 for alleged unlawful advertising of sports supplements containing dangerous substances

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued 7 infringement notices totalling $93,240 to Caveman Nutrition Pty Ltd, 6 infringement notices totalling $79,920 to The Cave Nutrition Store Pty Ltd and 13 infringement notices totalling $34,632 to the director of these companies for the alleged unlawful advertising of sports supplements and therapeutic goods not included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).

It is alleged that advertisements for the therapeutic goods, including Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs), hormones and metabolic modulators, were published on two websites. The use of SARMs has been linked to liver failure and increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Importing, supplying or possessing SARMs without a valid prescription is illegal.

It is also alleged that the advertisements promoted the substance Cardarine, which is a Schedule 10 poison prohibited from sale, supply and use in Australia. Cardarine was withdrawn from research and development some years ago when dangerous toxicities were discovered in animal testing. By law therapeutic goods must be entered in the ARTG before they can be lawfully supplied or advertised in Australia, unless they are subject to an exemption, approval or authority.

Sports supplements are therapeutic goods when they make therapeutic claims and contain scheduled substances or substances that are prohibited for use in sport by the World Anti-Doping Authority. Sports supplements that contain undeclared or potentially harmful ingredients can cause serious health problems. The TGA continues to take strong enforcement action to disrupt the unlawful import, manufacture, advertising and supply of unapproved performance and image enhancing medicines, including sports supplements.

Contact for members of the media:

• Email: news@health.gov.au
• Phone: 02 6289 7400