MFDS Cracks Down on Illegal Online Posts Selling Prescription Drugs
Promoting Concentration and Memory Ahead of College Entrance Exam
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced on the 6th that it had identified 773 violations after inspecting online posts advertising and selling food and pharmaceutical products using phrases such as "supplements for exam takers" and "ADHD medication."
This inspection was conducted to prevent consumer harm from misleading advertisements and illegal distribution that exploit the anxiety of parents and students ahead of the College Scholastic Ability Test.
There were 45 cases detected of online posts falsely advertising foods or health functional foods with phrases such as "supplements for exam takers," "memory," "concentration," and "stress relief."
The main violations included three cases (6.7%) of advertisements that falsely claimed disease prevention or treatment effects, such as "adult ADHD concentration supplement"; 13 cases (28.9%) of advertisements that could mislead or confuse general foods as health functional foods, such as "supplements for exam takers"; and 29 cases (64.4%) of false or exaggerated advertisements claiming unapproved functionalities such as "improving memory."
Additionally, 728 online posts were identified for the illegal sale, brokerage, or advertising of products such as methylphenidate, which is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Products sold, brokered, or advertised illegally online not only have unclear origins but also have a high possibility of being counterfeit pharmaceuticals, so they should never be purchased. Also, when purchasing health functional foods, it is advisable to check for the health functional food certification mark and the functionality information indicated on the product.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety emphasized, "In particular, methylphenidate products are prescription drugs containing narcotic ingredients, so consumers must take them only with a doctor's prescription and should be careful not to misuse or abuse them."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
