Competition committee issues warning about “miracle” tinctures

The Committee for the Development of Competition and Protection of Consumer Rights in Uzbekistan has issued a warning regarding the promotion of biologically active supplements, ointments, balms, tinctures, and waters that are falsely advertised as "cures for a thousand and one diseases."

These products, often marketed through social media platforms and Telegram groups, are being advertised as effective treatments for diseases that are challenging to treat through conventional medicine. The committee expressed concern over the growing trend of these products being promoted with exaggerated claims about their supposed "miraculous" effects, which has led to serious consequences for some consumers.

It was highlighted that such products are often advertised as the most effective and suitable means for treating illnesses, even though they lack sufficient scientific evidence or medical validation. This misleading advertising often presents the products as a solution to various health issues and is based on vague, exaggerated language that distorts their actual effects. In some cases, advertisements feature recommendations from famous personalities, including religious figures, which further increases consumer confidence in the products.

One of the major concerns raised by the Committee is the use of religious figures, such as religious bloggers, in these advertisements. These individuals are often featured in videos, audio clips, and pictures to increase the trustworthiness of the products, even though they do not endorse any particular brand. By leveraging religious sentiments, these advertisements create an illusion of credibility, which misleads consumers into believing that these products have medicinal and therapeutic properties. In some instances, this misleading advertising has encouraged people to abandon planned medical treatments in favor of unproven alternatives, which has unfortunately led to tragic outcomes for some individuals.

The Competition Committee reported that it had received numerous complaints from citizens who, having believed the false advertising, purchased these products and subsequently experienced a worsening of their health conditions. Over this year, the committee handled around 1,000 complaints regarding such products, resulting in material damages of approximately 118 million soums being refunded to consumers.

The Committee also reminded the public about the legal framework surrounding the advertising of biologically active supplements and food additives. Under Article 35 of the Law "On Advertising," specific regulations govern how these products should be marketed.

• The law prohibits advertising biologically active additives and food supplements as medicinal products or claiming that they have therapeutic effects.
• The advertising must not include specific claims of individual people being treated or experiencing improved health due to these products.
• Additionally, the advertisements cannot make references to research or studies in a way that suggests the products have advantages over actual medicines.
• The law requires that all advertising for such products should clearly state that they are not medicinal products.

By Article 47 of the Law "On Advertising," any violation of these requirements for advertising biologically active and food additives can result in fines up to thirty times the base calculation amount, depending on the severity of the violation.

"Any advertising that is misleading or likely to mislead consumers due to vague, exaggerated, or hidden claims is considered dishonest and false advertising. They stated that distributing such advertisements could result in legal consequences for both individuals and businesses involved, as well as harm to society and the state. The committee has warned that misleading advertisements, which can cause both financial and moral damage, will be met with legal action, and those responsible will face liability under the law," the Competition Committee emphasized.