The Federal Court of Australia today made orders by consent against several NuEra companies* and Mr Paul John Rana and his sons Mr Christopher James Rana and Mr Micheal (correct) Lee Rana restraining them from making any representations in respect of cancer cure claims promoted under The RANA System until judgement in the proceedings or further order. It is alleged the Ranas were involved in the alleged contravening conduct by the companies.
More specifically, the court ordered by consent the parties be restrained from making any representations to the effect that the RANA System and/or the NuEra Products:
- can cure cancer, or reverse, stop or slow its progress
- will prolong the life of a person suffering cancer
- are supported by generally accepted science
- will, if used by a person who has cancer, cure that persons' cancer or reverse, stop or slow its progress
- will, if used by a person who has cancer, prolong that person's life, and/or
- any other representation to the same purport or effect.
The RANA System is described as "..an alternative approach to cancer care which offers HOPE to cancer sufferers". The RANA System is provided through programs costing up to $35,000. The RANA System offers a variety of products and services including, vitamin and mineral supplements, laetrile (also known as vitamin B 17), Cesium or high PH therapy, devices called parasite/energy zappers, Zen Chi Massages Magnetic Pulsers, coffee enemas, ozone therapy, diets described as eating according to blood type, live blood analysis and thermal imaging.
The ACCC alleges the NuEra companies largely through the agency of Mr Paul Rana and with the assistance of his sons have engaged in conduct in breach of the Trade Practices Act 1974 by representing to persons suffering terminal illnesses (including cancer) and to their families that The RANA System can cure cancer, or reverse, stop or slow its progress or will prolong the life of a person suffering cancer, when this is not the case. A further representation of concern is that The RANA System is asserted to be based on generally accepted science; the ACCC alleges this is not the case.
An order was also made by consent requiring the parties to remove from any relevant websites any of the same or similar representations the subject of the restraining order.
The proceedings against the NuEra companies and the Ranas were filed in the Federal Court on Friday 24 November 2006. The ACCC is seeking declarations and injunctions.
The filing of proceedings follows a joint investigation by the ACCC and Consumer Affairs Victoria into the promotion of The RANA System by the NuEra companies and the Ranas.
A directions hearing has been set down for 9.30 a.m. 6 February 2007.
*NuEra Health Pty Ltd (In Liquidation), NuEra Care Centre Pty Ltd, Alternative Care Facility Pty Ltd, NuEra Investments Pty Ltd and NuEra Wellness Centre Pty Ltd. NuEra Health Pty Ltd (In Liquidation) did not oppose the orders.