Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer recently announced that his office has resolved a case against LA-based Insan Healing and CEO Angela Oh for allegedly advertising and selling radish paste as “a must-have product for the protection and prevention of the COVID-19.” The settlement, pending court approval, requires Insan to provide full restitution to customers who bought the product and pay a $20,000 civil penalty. The settlement also prohibits Insan from advertising or selling the product as a protection or treatment for COVID19.

“Since the pandemic started, we’ve been taking aggressive action against those whom we allege spread false information and seek to capitalize on consumer fears,” Feuer said. “Consumers who are misled into believing in a false COVID-19 prevention or cure might forego the steps we all need to take, from wearing masks to washing hands to physically distancing. In this pandemic, our residents’ lives depend on accurate information.”

The defendants in the case were Koreatown-based KNATURE CO., which is doing business as Insan Healing, and Oh. the city attorney’s complaint alleged the defendants falsely advertised and sold a radish paste product claiming it was capable of protecting against and preventing COVID-19. Immediately after the lawsuit was filed, the defendants removed the advertising and agreed to an injunction prohibiting them from making those claims.

Pursuant to the parties’ settlement of the case, eligible customers who purchased the radish paste between March 17 and May 14 will receive full refunds.

Consumers are encouraged to report alleged COVID-related scams and price-gouging to the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office by visiting lacityattorney.org/covid19.