Ye Esther Denies False Advertising... MFDS Confirms Some Unfair Advertising

"Advertising General Foods as Having Disease Treatment Effects"

It has been confirmed that some product advertisements on an online shopping mall operated by Esther Yeo, a family medicine specialist, violated the Food Labeling and Advertising Act.

On the 29th, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) announced, "As a result of investigating unfair advertisements on Esther Mall, violations of the Food Labeling and Advertising Act were confirmed in some food advertisements, and the relevant local government was instructed to take necessary administrative actions."

Family medicine specialist Esther Yeo. [Source=Yonhap News]

The MFDS explained, "The site sold general food products while advertising in a way that could mislead consumers into believing the products have preventive or therapeutic effects on diseases," adding, "This constitutes a violation of Article 8 (Prohibition of Unfair Labeling or Advertising) of the Food Labeling and Advertising Act."

Earlier, former MFDS director A reported Ms. Yeo to the police on charges of violating the Food Labeling and Advertising Act. The reason was that Ms. Yeo allegedly made false and exaggerated advertisements claiming that the products help prevent and treat diseases based on unverified information while selling them. Mr. A claimed, "She is deceiving consumers by using her status as a doctor."

In response, Ms. Yeo stated, "The claims that the accuser says are illegal are completely untrue," and added, "All advertisements have undergone review by the Korea Health Supplements Association, an institution officially entrusted by the MFDS for advertising review." She also said, "I will sincerely cooperate with the investigation. If our wrongdoing is revealed, we will accept appropriate punishment and take social responsibility."

Meanwhile, the MFDS requested the Seoul Gangnam District Office, the competent local government, to take necessary administrative actions. According to the law, if it is confirmed that food labeling or advertising could cause consumers to perceive the food as having preventive or therapeutic effects on diseases, the first violation may result in a two-month business suspension, and the second violation may lead to cancellation of business permits or registration, or closure of the business.