Saturday, January 7, 2012

Ear Candles Suit

Makers of "ear candles" have lost their lawsuit against the FDA. An appeals court sided with a lower court, dismissing a lawsuit filed by three makers, saying the Holistic Candlers and Consumers Association doesn't have the right to sue the federal government. The FDA had sent out warning letters to ear candle makers, telling them to stop claiming the candles are medical devices can treat conditions like sinus infections, allergies, the flu, and hearing loss. The hollow tubes are made of fabric and covered in wax. Users put them in the ear canal and light them, forcing out wax and anything else. The FDA says some people have suffered burns, punctured eardrums and other complications from the use of the candles.