Gyeonggi Province investigated illegal activities by health functional food manufacturers and sellers, uncovering a total of six cases including unreported sales and unfair labeling and advertising practices.
The Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police conducted an investigation from October 7 to 18 targeting over 60 locations including health functional food manufacturers, sellers, and pharmacies within the province. They revealed ▲4 cases of unreported sales of health functional foods ▲1 case of storing health functional foods past their expiration date for sale ▲1 case of labeling and advertising that could be perceived as having efficacy in disease prevention or treatment, according to an announcement on the 7th.
Among the major violations, Company A in Namyangju City was caught selling protein and other health functional foods without reporting to the competent authority, and Company B in Gwangju City was caught storing health functional foods about five months past their expiration date for sale purposes.
A case of enforcement action against unregistered health functional food sales operations uncovered by the Gyeonggi-do Special Judicial Police Unit. Provided by Gyeonggi Provincial Government.
Company C in Namyangju City engaged in online sales with labeling and advertising that could cause consumers to mistakenly perceive non-health functional foods as health functional foods. They were also caught for advertising claims such as "premature ejaculation prevention, special efficacy for erectile dysfunction, diabetes, and hypertension," which could be perceived as having efficacy in disease prevention or treatment.
Under the current Food Labeling and Advertising Act, unfair labeling and advertising that could be perceived as having efficacy in disease prevention or treatment is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 100 million KRW. The Health Functional Food Act stipulates that unreported sales of health functional foods are punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 50 million KRW, and storing products past their expiration date for sale is punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 3 million KRW.
Ki-do Gi, head of the Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police, stated, "We will do our best to prevent damages caused by unfair advertising and ensure that residents can safely consume health functional foods." He added, "We provide guidance on legal compliance to prevent violations caused by minor negligence such as lack of awareness or carelessness by business owners."
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