Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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Concealment of adverse-event reports
A congressional investigation found that Metabolife had received thousands of reports of serious adverse events associated with its ephedra products and concluded that the company concealed the reports and acted with indifference toward consumer health.
False statements to the FDA
Founder Michael Ellis ultimately pleaded guilty to one count involving a false statement to the FDA about adverse effects linked to Metabolife 356. He was sentenced to six months in federal prison and fined $20,000.
Corporate and executive tax violations
Metabolife pleaded guilty to filing fraudulent tax returns and received a $600,000 criminal fine. Owner William Bradley separately pleaded guilty to evading millions of dollars in taxes and received imprisonment and probation.