
China bans TV ads for breast enlargements
BEIJING, July 20 (Reuters) -
China will ban television and radio commercials
for breast enhancements, weight loss and medical products, Chinese
media reported on Thursday, in the lattest effort to crack down
on false advertising.
The ban issued by China's broadcasting watchdog
– the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television –
and the State Administration of Industry and Commerce will take
effect from next month and is targeted at misleading advertisements.
“Recently, some medical organisations have
exaggerated the results of treatment provided, using experts and
previous patients on television commercials to mislead others,”
the Beijing News cited the notice as saying.
“The exaggeration of some breast enhancement
and weight loss advertisements has violated consumers' rights and
affected the social credibility of radio and television,”
it said.
Earlier this month, consumer watchdogs said they
were probing a drug touted on 17 television stations as being able
to transfer unwanted weight from the hips to the breasts.
State media reported that one customer spent 3,000
yuan ($375) on the pills, but only ended up breaking out in acne
while her breast size remained the same.
Rising incomes and perceptions that better looks
secure better jobs and husbands have fuelled a boom for breast enlargement
and other cosmetic remedies in recent years.
State media have reported that Chinese people
spend over $20 billion a year on altering their looks.
But loose administration and approval procedures
have resulted in a number of bogus and unsafe drugs going to market.
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