CCPA Asks GSK & Naaptol To Stop Misleading Ads

New Delhi: Coming down heavily on misleading advertisements, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has passed order against an online shopping entity and a company engaged in manufacturing and selling toothpaste directing them to immediately discontinue their advertisements.

Besides this, the CCPA has also imposed a penalty of Rs 10 lakh in the online shopping platform for the misleading advertisements.

According to reports, the CCPA passed the order after initiating suo moto action against two firms, GlaxoSmithKline Asia for its advertisements of Sensodyne products in India, which show foreign dentists endorsing them and Naaptol Online Shopping for its three advertisements - ''Set of 2 Gold Jewellery'', ''Magnetic Knee Support'' and Acupressure Yoga Slippers''.

Notably, the orders were passed after hearing arguments from both companies.

The authority took note of endorsement of Sensodyne Rapid Relief and Sensodyne Fresh Gel products endorsed by dentists practicing in the UK.

The consumer protection authority observed also that regulations governing dentists in India restrict them from endorsing any product or drug publically and by showing dentists practicing outside India for endorsement of its product in the advertisements the company was attempting to circumvent the law in force.

Thrashing company further over their claims, the authority has also directed director general of investigation to probe the claims made for these products and also asked to submit the documents in support of claims within 15 days.

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