"Preventing COVID-19 with Probiotics?" Crackdown on False and Exaggerated Advertising

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] "Take probiotics to defend against COVID-19. Let's boost immunity to fight off the virus."

Six food and cosmetics companies and 21 sellers who made false and exaggerated advertisements exploiting public health anxieties due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) have been subject to administrative sanctions.

On the 14th, the Broadcasting and Communications Office under the Korea Communications Commission conducted a focused crackdown to eradicate commercial advertisements that deceive consumers by claiming efficacy in preventing and treating COVID-19. The investigation period was from May to August and was carried out jointly with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

As a result, numerous commercial advertisements that falsely exaggerated efficacy or deceived consumers were detected. Many ads claimed that their products could prevent COVID-19 regardless of the actual product efficacy.

This can be punished under Article 50-8 (Prohibition of Transmission of Advertising Information for Illegal Acts) of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc., and Article 8 (Prohibition of Unfair Labeling or Advertising Acts) of the Act on Labeling and Advertising of Foods, etc.

A representative from the Korea Communications Commission stated, "We plan to strengthen crackdowns on illegal spam and promote damage prevention through active cooperation with related agencies in the future."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.