The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced on the 1st that it detected 316 cases of false and exaggerated advertising of food, cosmetics, and quasi-drugs, and 403 cases of illegal distribution advertising of pharmaceuticals and other products during a focused inspection of food and medical products that are often sold online during the vacation season.
According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, the inspection was conducted from July 7 to 18 with the aim of protecting consumers from illegal and unfair advertising related to diet, beauty, and mosquito repellent products, which are expected to attract attention as people prepare to go on vacation.
As a result, violations of false and exaggerated advertising included 175 cases for food, 67 cases for quasi-drugs, 74 cases for cosmetics, and violations of illegal distribution (sale and brokerage) advertising included 203 cases for pharmaceuticals and 200 cases for medical devices.
The violations in food advertising included ▲ 71 cases (40.6%) of general food products advertised as health functional foods, such as 'dietary supplements' ▲ 60 cases (34.3%) of false and exaggerated advertisements for unrecognized functionalities, such as 'swelling tea' and 'UV protection' ▲ 24 cases (13.7%) of deceptive consumer ads using testimonials ▲ and 20 cases (11.4%) of food advertised as having disease prevention and treatment efficacy, such as 'anti-inflammatory'.
In the advertising of quasi-drugs, there were instances where consumer goods were misleadingly emphasized as having the efficacy of mosquito repellents and other quasi-drugs.
In cosmetics advertising, there were also ▲ 58 cases (78.4%) of cosmetics advertised as having the efficacy and effects of pharmaceuticals ▲ 15 cases (20.3%) of advertisements inconsistent with functional examination (report) results ▲ and 1 case (1.3%) of consumer misleading advertisements claiming recommendations and endorsements in medical fields.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety urged consumers to check information about food and pharmaceuticals that have been approved, examined, and certified by the Ministry before purchasing, available on the Food and Drug Safety Portal, the Drug Safety Portal, or the Medical Device Safety Book website.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety quickly requested the Korea Communications Standards Commission to block access and for relevant administrative authorities to conduct inspections. A representative from the Ministry stated, 'We will strengthen inspections to eradicate illegal online sales and advertising of products with the national interest, reflecting specific seasonal sensitivities, and to prevent consumer harm.'