Attorney General's News Release

October 28, 2003

Manufacturer, distributor of misleading ADHD treatment barred from selling product in Missouri

Jefferson City, Mo. — Two companies manufacturing and selling a product they falsely claimed was a “natural” treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have been barred from selling the product to Missourians. Attorney General Jay Nixon has obtained court orders against NatureMost of New England, the maker of Calm Focus; and Robin Mott, an Internet seller of Calm Focus.

Nixon confronted the companies because medical evidence did not support the product claims. The Attorney General's Office began investigating after the Food and Drug Administration sent warning letters to NatureMost and Mott, who does business as Better Way Kids.

“Parents of children who suffer from ADHD should not have to wade through product claims that promise remedies they can't deliver,” said Nixon.

The FDA letters resulted in the removal of references to ADHD from all Calm Focus advertising. NatureMost also stopped making the product, but Better Way Kids continued to sell its remaining supply over the Internet.

Nixon's office then took action, sending warning letters to the companies on Aug. 8. Better Way Kids shut down its Web site on the same day. NatureMost stated it would no longer make or sell the product. NatureMost of New England is based in Connecticut; Better Way Kids is based in Rhode Island.

Under the assurances of voluntary compliance signed by Cole County Circuit Judge Thomas J. Brown, NatureMost and Better Way Kids will ensure that if Calm Focus is sold again, it will not be sold to Missourians. NatureMost has also agreed to pay $500 in costs to the state. Any violation of the terms of the agreement will carry a $2,000 civil penalty.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818