The National Center for Homeopathy is slamming the Food and Drug Administration’s recent warnings and investigation regarding homeopathic teething gels and tablets, calling the agency’s moves “arbitrary and capricious.” In a statement on its website, the NCH went on to blame the media’s “exaggerated fear mongering” and “dramatic headlines” for getting homeopathic teething treatments largely pulled from the market.

The NCH issued a call to action among homeopaths to “correct misconceptions” and spread the information that homeopathy has been proven safe and effective.

“Despite these facts, groups interested in seeing homeopathy destroyed continue to hammer away at the system - making exaggerated claims that create misunderstandings about and limit consumer access ,” the NCH said (emphasis theirs).

The sharp response comes after the FDA said last week that it was investigating 10 infant deaths and more than 400 illnesses linked to the teething products. On September 30, the agency had released a warning to parents that they should immediately stop using the products and trash any in their possession

Concern by the agency likely centers around whether the gels and tablets contain improperly diluted amounts of belladonna, or deadly nightshade. The teething products are supposed to contain a highly diluted amount of the toxic plant, keeping with homeopaths’ belief that “like cures like” and that substances can gain potency as they’re diluted. Although the pseudoscience behind homeopathy has been roundly debunked, the resulting treatments—which are often nothing more than water—can be harmless. That is, unless they’re improperly diluted.

In a 2010 notice, the FDA said it had found inconsistent amounts of belladonna in the teething products. In addition, the agency had received reports of children displaying symptoms similar to those of belladonna poisoning after using the products. Those symptoms include: seizures, vomiting, difficulty breathing, lethargy, excessive sleepiness, muscle weakness, skin flushing, constipation, difficulty urinating, blurred vision, and confusion.

The more than 400 illnesses and 10 deaths the FDA is now investigating also involve such symptoms.

In response, CVS said it had pulled all of the products from its shelves. Hyland’s, a maker of some of the homeopathic teething products, discontinued its products. But like the NCH, the company chided the FDA for its decision and defended the safety of its products.

Homeopathic teething treatments are not evaluated or approved by the FDA. Moreover, the agency does not have the authority to recall the products. However, after an investigation into consumer illnesses and deaths, the agency can take regulatory action.