Quackery: the National Council Against Health Fraud perspective

Abstract

Quackery is the promotion of false and unproven health schemes for a profit. It is rooted in the traditions of marketplace. Scientific thinking and standards of conduct underlie professionalism and consumer protection law. At the present time, commercialism has overwhelmed professionalism in the marketing of alternative remedies. Neither patients nor legitimate businesses that adhere to the standards of science and consumer protection are well served by a double standard.