A South African consumers' guide to scams, pseudoscience and voodoo science, OR, a critical thinker's guide to the ins and outs of Complementary and Alternative Medicine
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is sending checks totaling more than $930,000 to more than 20,000 consumers who bought deceptively marketed Teami teas. The FTC sued Teami, LLC and its owners in March 2020, alleging that the company made bogus health claims and paid for endorsements from well-known social media influencers who did not adequately disclose that they were being paid to promote the products.
The company claimed without reliable scientific evidence that the Teami 30-Day Detox Pack would help consumers lose weight, and that its other teas would fight cancer, clear clogged arteries, decrease migraines, treat and prevent flus, and treat colds. Reference: FTC returns more than $930,000 to consumers who bought Teami’s deceptively advertised teas. FTC press release, Feb 22, 2022
A complaint was laid with the ARB (Advertising Regulatory Board) regarding Homemark’s claims for their ‘Weighted Blanket’, which claimed among other, “It is useful for anxiety and stress”, “Creates a focus on ADHD”, “Alleviates restless leg syndrome”, “Enhances sleep quality”, “It helps you stay asleep at night”. The complainant argued that these claims are not supported by evidence and therefore dupe consumers into spending around R800 for a product with no evidence of being able to help.
The Directorate of the Advertising Regulatory Board has been called on to consider a complaint by Dr Harris Steinman against Homemark’s online advertising promoting its “Anti Anxiety Weighted Blanket”. The … Read the rest
Johannesburg – Stress and anxiety wearing you down? Then a weighted or gravity blanket is all you need to count sheep in no time. Because let’s be honest: Who sleeps well during a pandemic?
If you believe the marketing hype around them, weighted blankets are the newest, bestest thing in home treatments for anxiety, PTSD, colic, and even autism. Said to improve the mood as well as calm a restless body and mind, the blankets – weighted with a filling of micro beads – have been selling like hotcakes for years, at a starting price of around R799 each.
Punted as being medically approved, the health care claims suggest deep pressure stimulation helps relax and soothe the body. But the jury’s still out on their efficacy.
Nothing though escapes the sharp eye of consumer activist, Dr Harris Steinman. He
Board says it will rule even on advertising claims by companies that are not members
The Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) has made it clear that it will rule against companies that make unproven medical claims, even if those companies are not members of the ARB.
ARB is a self-regulating authority, and its members join it voluntarily. There has been an ongoing debate dating back to the ARB’s predecessor, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), as to whether it can make rulings about the adverts of non-members.
The ARB replaced the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) after the latter went into liquidation in 2018.
The ARB has in recent months ruled that members should remove advertisements by three companies claiming the medical efficacy of their products. All three advertisements were broadcast on M-Net during the evening. M-Net is a member of the … Read the rest
South Africa’s advertising regulator has banned ads for three products from Homemark, after the retailer did not substantiate claims about their benefits made in these ads.
The Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) considered complaints from a medical doctor, Dr Harris Steinman, about advertising claims Homemark made about its Remedy Health Detox Tea, Aragan Secret Nail Treatment and Remedy Health Detox Foot Patches.
In one of the ads, which features women in bikinis, Homemark claims that its detox tea left people “feeling more energised, more positive, and better than they have for years”.
The ARB called on Homemark to support claims that the
A complaint was laid with the Advertising Regulatory Board against the claims being made for this product.
Complainant: Dr Harris Steinman Advertiser: Homemark (Pty) Ltd Consumer/Competitor: Consumer File reference: 1048 – Homemark Detox Tea – Dr Harris Steinman Outcome: Upheld Date: 24 November 2020
The Directorate of the Advertising Regulatory Board has been called on to consider a complaint by Dr Harris Steinman against Homemark’s television commercial promoting its Remedy Health “Detox Tea”. According to the Complainant, this commercial flighted on M-Net at 22:11 on 23 September 2020, and an extended version thereof is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPGnERvZ2Ho.
Description of the Advertising
The television commercial opens with a grey colour tone, showing several people looking tired, irritable, struggling to fit in their pants, rubbing their stomachs and appearing generally lethargic. During these scenes, the voice-over states “Not interested in life anymore? We’re just not full … Read the rest
The advertising notes, inter alia, that “The Remedy Health Detox Pads are used on the feet according to the Chinese tradition of foot reflexology. Detox patches are said to stimulate nerve endings on the bottom of your feet and improving energy flow and resolve circulation to problem areas of the body, clearing toxins build-up and … Read the rest
The Directorate of the Advertising Regulatory Board has been called on to consider a complaint by Dr Harris Steinman against Homemark’s television commercial promoting its “Aragan Secret Nail Treatment” product. The Complainant saw the commercial on M-Net at 21:10 on 23 September 2020.
Description of the Advertising
The commercial opens with various images of severely damaged and discoloured fingernails and toenails, while the voice-over states:
“Ingrown, thick, flaky, brittle, what a nightmare or worse, of embarrassing deformed nails destroying your sanity. Morocco’s best kept secret; Aragan Secret Nail Treatment, is your answer to beautiful and moisturised nails. The legendary … Read the rest
A Homemark product which claims to fight nail fungus and eczema might in fact cause eczema.
Dr Harris Steinman complained to the ad watchdog Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) about Homemark’s Aragan Secret Nail Treatment which claims: “With a low PH level, the formula does not only keep your nails smooth and attractive but also helps fight fungus and eczema.”
Steinman submitted research which showed there is no proof it fights eczema or nail fungus.
“The complainant (Steinman) conducted a literature review of articles relating to the product and could find no evidence of this benefit. Indeed, one article indicated that the active ingredient in the product causes eczema,” ARB said.
“The advertiser (Homemark) has chosen not to respond to the complaint. This places the directorate (ARB) in a position that it is forced to accept the
Homemark received numerous ASA rulings against the claims being made for this product, but continues to dupe consumers by running adverts making claims that are not true. An advert was seen on DSTV where false claims were being made, as before the previous ASA rulings, and a complaint was laid with the ARB which has superseded the ASA.
Homemark did not bother to response. The National Consumer Commission, being a toothless watchdog, will not get involved. You the consumer, are screwed if you already purchased this product.
Decision of the ADVERTISING REGULATORY BOARD Complainant Dr Harris Steinman Advertiser Homemark (Pty) Ltd Consumer/Competitor Consumer File reference Homemark Aragon Oil – Dr Harris Steinman
Outcome Upheld Date 13 March 2019
The Directorate of the Advertising Regulatory Board has been called upon to consider a complaint lodged by Dr Steinman against the website advertising for Homemark’s Aragan Secret Nail … Read the rest
