[Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] The Fair Trade Commission is intensively inspecting false advertisements related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).
On the 8th, the Fair Trade Commission announced that it immediately corrected 40 out of 53 advertisements (from 45 businesses) that advertised the COVID-19 blocking effects of air purifiers and humidifiers, which could mislead consumers. The commission also requested prompt correction of the remaining advertisements.
Advertisements that misled consumers by claiming that "air purifiers can block the novel coronavirus that masks cannot block" or that "based on virus and bacteria reduction effects obtained under limited experimental conditions, consumers can eliminate COVID-19 viruses in actual usage environments" were corrected.
The Fair Trade Commission also urged businesses to promptly correct false advertisements related to food and quasi-drugs (health masks and hand sanitizers) identified during the inspection process, and plans to request cooperation from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety if necessary.
Additionally, the Fair Trade Commission is providing "COVID-19 Fact Check" and other information on the consumer portal "Happiness Dream" to correct misinformation circulating about COVID-19, and plans to continuously expand related consumer information.
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