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 of $20,000 for unlawfully advertising and supplying black salve and bloodroot capsules, and for advertising other unapproved therapeutic goods to treat serious conditions such as anxiety.

On 30 October 2025, Ms Harris was found guilty of 10 charges, after the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions commenced proceedings on behalf of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Ms Harris was released on recognizance of $2,000 and on condition of good behaviour for a period of 3 years with 6 months supervision. Ms Harris is prohibited from making restricted and prohibited representations about therapeutic goods by any means, including on social media. The term of imprisonment can be imposed if the conditions of the good behaviour bond are breached.

Ms Harris is also subject to a community corrections order with a supervision period of 3 years.

In delivering the sentence, Her Honour Magistrate Humphreys said “the offending was deliberate and planned”, and that:

“The Court has an obligation to deter similar offending as it is of a kind that could cause great harm …

… The existence of a community of persons interested in the use of potentially dangerous alternative treatments for serious illnesses such as cancer adds weight to the need for general deterrence. Others involved in such communities must be dissuaded from engaging in similar conduct”.

Her Honour also noted the indirect harm arising from Ms Harris’ actions, that there is “a real potential for users of the product to delay seeking or obtaining conventional treatment”.

The decision, handed down at Deniliquin Local Court, follows the TGA’s investigation into Ms Harris after receiving multiple reports from members of the public about the unlawful conduct. 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, said “I am pleased by the successful court outcome after an extensive investigation by the TGA.

“This significant penalty sends a clear message to anyone seeking to profit from the unlawful supply and advertising of therapeutic goods. 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,” Professor Lawler said.

“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.”

The TGA strongly advises consumers not to purchase or use black salve. There are no black salve products 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 to the Poisons Standard. Schedule 10 substances are considered to be of such danger to public health that they are prohibited from sale, supply or use in Australia.

Black salve is a corrosive topical paste which causes burns, destroying layers of skin and surrounding healthy tissue. This may result in pain, scarring, ulceration, swelling and infection. Bloodroot capsules may contain several of the same harmful ingredients as black salve. For more information, please refer to the TGA safety alert on black and red salves.

The TGA uses a range of compliance and enforcement tools, which may include criminal or civil court proceedings. These can result in substantial penalties, fines or imprisonment.

If you suspect non-compliance in relation to therapeutic goods, or their advertising, you can report it to the TGA at any time.

Contact for members of the media:

• Email: news@health.gov.au
• Phone: 02 6289 7400