Advertising Standards Authority Cracks Down on False Website Health Marketing
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has stepped in to ban content on a group of websites carrying misleading health claims.
The move follows company website content coming under ASA regulation on 1 March this year.
Back Trouble UK came under fire because the ASA pointed out that their advertising regulations stipulate that marketers must not suggest people can avoid essential medical treatment for serious conditions.
Energise UK was forced to remove numerous claims on its website, which promotes an alkaline based diet. Their content included advice from a Dr Young (who is not medically qualified but has a PhD) who said that living an alkaline lifestyle "can help reverse" cancer.
Direct Healthcare was also targeted for saying that its Electroflex Circulation Booster Massager can "improve blood circulation, reduce swelling, ease aches and pains... fluid retention and numbness in the lower limbs" and "increase oxygenation and nutrition retention".
The new purview of ASA to regulate website content is aimed at causing online marketers to be more careful about their promotional strategies.