The Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (VWA) is warning against fake medicines promoted to combat Mexican flu, following an advertisement on Marktplaats offering colloidal silver water as a preventive treatment.
Colloidal silver water, which contains tiny silver particles, has been marketed for some time as a food supplement to boost immunity. However, the VWA considers it excessive to claim any medicinal benefits without solid proof.
"Foods must not make medicinal claims without extensive scientific evidence," a VWA spokesman stated. A swift review prompted by the ad found no basis for the silver water's purported medicinal effects.
"If people want to buy flu remedies, it's best to use regular channels, such as pharmacies," the VWA advises.
