14 brands pulled up over misleading Covid-19 protection claims

The Central Consumer Protection Authority has issued show-cause notices to 14 companies for resorting to misleading claims such as immunity and protection from Covid-19 virus.

The companies that have been issued notices include those that manufacture water purifiers, paints, floor cleaners, apparel, disinfectants and furniture.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Danve Rao saheb Dadarao in Lok Sabha.

The minister also informed that an advisory has been issued to industry associations last month highlighting the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act and "to impress upon their members to cease from making false claims about effectiveness against coronavirus which are not supported by competent and reliable scientific advice".

The CCPA advisory also said that resorting to misleading or false advertising is an unfair trade practice and liable for punishment ranging from imprisonment for up to two years to fine up to Rs 10 lakh.