The Australian arm of the Genesis II Church of Health and Healing has been fined more than $150,000 for advertising a liquid meant for human consumption that is essentially bleach.
The Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS) was being flogged on the church's website as 'water purification drops' and claimed it could cure coronavirus, HIV, cancer, autism, acne and diabetes.
An investigation found the liquid contained sodium chlorine, a chemical used as a textile bleaching agent and disinfectant.
The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) found that the claims being made by the 'Healing Church' go against their rules.
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In a statement, the TGA said: "[The use of the solution] presents serious health risks, and can result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and severe dehydration, which in some cases can result in hospitalisation."
The watchdog also claimed the Australian chapter of the church had used a medical practitioner to endorse the product and it had a testimonial from someone who supported using it.
"MMS Australia refers consumers who visit its website to a 'Testimonials' page, which includes representations that MMS is capable of treating, among other things, COVID-19," a TGA spokesperson told the ABC.
"The TGA considered both the claims found directly on the website along with content found through links, including videos and testimonials in its assessment."
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Four people in Victoria reportedly had to be hospitalised in 2014 after ingesting the solution.
Despite the fine, the product is still listed online, however comes with a warning.
According to the Guardian, the warning on the MMS website states: "Our products, their descriptions and other information posted here are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease, and any apparent reference to same is inadvertent and purely coincidental.
"We do not believe in miracle cures, but in healthy, wholesome living and good nutrition to keep the temple of our souls, our bodies, clean and free of harmful chemicals and poisons. We also believe in the power of quiet contemplation, meditation and prayer."
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Genesis II church US leader, Mark Grenon, has previously written to American president Donald Trump about how a powerful bleach is 'a wonderful detox that can kill 99 per cent of the pathogens in the body' as well as 'rid the body of Covid-19'.
Featured Image Credit: Genesis II Church of Health and Healing