Online advertisements have been identified that deceive consumers into believing there are benefits and effects for preventing and treating hair loss or improving hair loss symptoms, despite the lack of such efficacy.
According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, 192 cases violating the laws regarding the labeling and advertising of food were identified during a focused inspection of online posts advertising foods or health supplements as 'preventing hair loss.' The ministry has requested the Korea Communications Standards Commission to block these posts and has asked local authorities for administrative actions.
The main violations include ▲advertisements misleadingly implying efficacy and effects for disease prevention and treatment (191 cases, 99.5%) ▲advertisements misleadingly implying pharmaceuticals (1 case, 0.5%). Examples of violations included advertising food as 'preventing hair loss,' 'good for hair loss,' and 'improving hair loss,' making it appear that there are benefits for preventing and treating diseases. There were also advertisements that led to the perception of products as pharmaceuticals, such as 'oral hair loss medications.'
According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, there are no products among foods or health supplements recognized for their efficacy in preventing or treating hair loss or improving hair loss symptoms. The ministry urged consumers who intend to purchase food online to be cautious not to be misled by advertisements claiming unverified efficacy and effects and to carefully check the 'health functional food certification mark' and the functional details displayed on the product.