Balance of Nature's History of Scrutiny
Balance of Nature, also known as Evig, LLC, has faced regulatory issues for several years, primarily concerning its 'Fruits & Veggies' and 'Fiber & Spice' supplements. The company, founded by chiropractor Douglas Howard, was warned by the FDA in 2019 for promoting its products as treatments for serious conditions and for manufacturing practice violations. Despite these warnings, the company's practices led to further investigations and legal challenges.
The November 2023 FDA Intervention
A major development occurred in November 2023 when a federal court in Utah issued a permanent injunction, preventing Balance of Nature from producing and selling its supplements until it meets federal standards. The FDA's action, pursued by the U.S. Department of Justice, was based on findings that the products were misbranded due to unsupported health claims and adulterated because of ongoing manufacturing issues. The court order requires the company to implement significant changes, including hiring independent experts for oversight and receiving FDA approval before resuming operations. This legal action followed years of the company failing to address the FDA's concerns.
Multistate Settlement and False Advertising Allegations
Before the FDA's court action, Balance of Nature settled a false advertising lawsuit in California in July 2023. The lawsuit, brought by the California Food, Drug, and Medical Device Task Force, alleged the company made unproven claims about its products. These claims included assertions that the capsules were nutritionally equivalent to multiple servings of fruits and vegetables, that the supplements could treat serious diseases, and that the company used misleading testimonials. The settlement required Balance of Nature to pay $1.1 million, including funds for restitution to affected California customers, and permanently prohibited the company from continuing these practices.
Comparison Table: Balance of Nature vs. Proper Supplementation
| Feature | Balance of Nature's Claims | Reality / Competent Health Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Nutritional Equivalence | Claims capsules offer nutritional equivalent of multiple servings of fruits/vegetables. | Scientific evidence lacking; nutritional value is not the same as whole food. |
| Health Claims | Marketed supplements as able to treat or cure diseases like cancer and diabetes. | FDA determined these were unapproved drug claims; product cannot cure diseases. |
| Regulatory Compliance | Minimal action taken despite multiple FDA warning letters over years. | Federal court ordered a complete stop of sales until strict compliance measures are met. |
| Manufacturing Standards | Failed to establish and follow proper CGMP standards for purity and composition. | Company must now hire external experts and be approved by the FDA before resuming operations. |
| Subscription Practices | Accused of deceptive auto-renewal billing and difficult cancellation process. | Customers report relentless billing issues and have an F rating with the BBB. |
Customer Experience and Concerns
Customer feedback and complaints further highlight issues with Balance of Nature's business practices. The company has received an 'F' rating from the Better Business Bureau, stemming from over a thousand complaints in three years, many related to billing and subscription problems. Numerous customers report being charged repeatedly despite attempts to cancel their subscriptions, with some resorting to drastic measures to stop the charges. Reviews on various platforms also describe the products as ineffective and the company's operations as potentially deceptive.
The Aftermath and Path Forward
Following the court order, Balance of Nature indicated in December 2023 that it was working to comply with FDA requirements and was back in operation. However, given the history of issues and the seriousness of the legal interventions, rebuilding consumer trust will be challenging. This situation serves as a reminder for consumers to critically evaluate health claims and understand the limitations of dietary supplements. Regulatory actions, like those by the FDA, are crucial for consumer protection. Ultimately, supplements should complement, not substitute, a healthy diet.
Conclusion
What is going on with the Balance of Nature involves a history of unsupported health claims, manufacturing violations, and problematic business practices. Regulatory actions by the FDA and a multi-state settlement led to a temporary halt in sales and restitution for consumers. While the company states it's addressing these issues, consumers should remain cautious, prioritize a healthy diet, and consult healthcare professionals before using such supplements.
