A clandestine factory in Teresina, Brazil, was shut down by the State Health Surveillance Directorate (Divisa) for producing and prescribing herbal medicine products with unauthorized therapeutic claims. Inspections revealed that ten types of herbal mixtures were being sold illegally, possessing labels that promoted unapproved health benefits. These products claimed to treat various health conditions, including rheumatism, insomnia, and parasitic infections, as well as offering solutions for both male and female health issues.

The operation had been conducted without any registration with the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), raising significant public health concerns. The individual running the establishment was posing as a natural holistic therapist, misleading consumers about the legitimacy and safety of the products. The health authorities confiscated various items, including prescriptions that had the therapist's identification, which could implicate her further in this legal issue.

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in regulating informal health product manufacturing in Brazil, especially in the realm of herbal medicines which are often marketed as safe alternatives to conventional medicine. The health surveillance bodies in Brazil face an uphill battle to ensure compliance and protect public health risks associated with unregulated health products, which can potentially do more harm than good to unsuspecting consumers.