Sensodyne ordered to stop misleading ads b CCPA
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a fine of Rs.10 lakh on Sensodyne. Further, it has ordered the company to drop ad said the Consumer protection body, on Tuesday.
The fine has been imposed on grounds of putting out misleading advertisements of its products. The CCPA found faults with the company’s claims of being the “World’s No.1 sensitivity toothpaste” and “Recommended by dentists worldwide” as the company was unable to produce any “cogent study or material” substantiating the claims made in the advertisements.
On claims of “clinically proven relief, works in 60 seconds”, CCPA said it had written to the Drugs Controller General of India and Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) seeking comments with regards to the correctness of the claims made by the company.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution said in a statement “The claims were observed to be bereft of any reason or justification.” Hence the company has been asked to discontinue the aforementioned advertisements within seven days.
The consumer protection body further said that it had passed an order last month directing discontinuation of advertisement of Sensodyne products which showed endorsement by foreign dentists.
“It may be mentioned that CCPA had initiated suo-moto action against the advertisement of Sensodyne products on various platforms including Television, Youtube, Facebook and Twitter showing dentists practicing outside India..,” it said.
“CDSCO has directed The Assistant Drug Controller, Licensing Authority, Silvassa to investigate the claims made by the company since the product in question is manufactured under the cosmetic license granted by State Licensing Authority, Silvassa.
In view of the communication received from CDSCO and Assistant Drug Controller, Licensing Authority, Silvassa as regards the claim of “clinically proven relief, works in 60 seconds”, the matter now rests with Assistant Drug Controller, State Licensing Authority, Silvassa,” CCPA further said as per the statement.
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Penalty should be a % of the sales during that period than a notional amount.
India is still afraid of putting penalties on any “white” company