Conviction for unlawful supply and advertising of black salve products

Belinda Gae Harris has been sentenced today to 7 months’ imprisonment, a community corrections order, and fines totalling $20,000 after unlawfully advertising and supplying black salve and bloodroot capsules, and advertising other unapproved therapeutic goods with claims to treat serious conditions, including anxiety.

On 30 October 2025, Ms Harris was found guilty of 10 offences following proceedings commenced by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions on behalf of the TGA.

Ms Harris was released on a $2,000 recognisance, subject to a 3-year good behaviour bond with 6 months’ supervision. As part of the order, she is prohibited from making restricted and prohibited representations about therapeutic goods by any means, including via social media. The term of imprisonment may be activated if the conditions of the bond are breached. Ms Harris is also subject to a community corrections order with a 3-year supervision period.

In handing down the sentence at Deniliquin Local Court, Her Honour Magistrate Humphreys described the offending as “deliberate and planned” and emphasised the need for deterrence given the serious harm that can result from such conduct. Her Honour also noted the indirect risk that consumers may delay seeking, or may not obtain, appropriate conventional treatment.

The court outcome follows a TGA investigation that commenced after the agency received multiple reports from members of the public regarding the unlawful activity. Ms Harris traded under the business name ‘Tickety-Boo Herbal’.

Professor Anthony Lawler, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and head of the TGA, welcomed the outcome, noting it followed an extensive investigation. “This significant penalty sends a clear message to anyone seeking to profit from the unlawful supply and advertising of therapeutic goods,” Professor Lawler said.

“The TGA’s highest priority is protecting the health and safety of the Australian public, and products like black salve have the potential to cause serious harm to people.”

“We will continue to take strong and decisive action against those who disregard their legal obligations under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 by advertising and supplying unapproved therapeutic goods,” he said.

The TGA strongly advises consumers not to purchase or use black salve products. No black salve products are included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), and there is no credible scientific evidence to support claims that these products can treat serious conditions.

Black salve and bloodroot capsules are derived from Sanguinaria canadensis (bloodroot), which contains sanguinarine a substance included in Schedule 10 of the Poisons Standard. Schedule 10 substances are considered to pose such a danger to public health that their sale, supply or use is prohibited in Australia.

Black salve is a corrosive topical paste that can cause chemical burns, destroying layers of skin as well as surrounding healthy tissue. Potential consequences include pain, scarring, ulceration, swelling and infection. Bloodroot capsules may contain several of the same harmful ingredients found in black salve.