TGA issues big fines to suppliers of unlawful and misleading products.

 

Dozens of companies have been fined more than $800,000 for unlawfully advertising or illegally importing health products to profit from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

Therapeutic Goods Administration data provided to Guardian Australia shows it issued 81 infringement notices totalling $847,000 to dozens of companies since the start of the pandemic, including for unlawfully advertising or importing masks, medical devices, disinfectants, hand sanitisers, peptide products, or thermometers.

 

In late August, the TGA issued a fine of $12,600 to West Australian-based Medical Sales and Service Pty Ltd, for the alleged unlawful importation of face masks.

 

The regulator has also fined Melbourne-based Yarra Valley Cleaning Co Pty Ltd $39,960 for advertising that a disinfectant was “99.9999% effective” against viruses, including COVID-19.

 

“The advertising on the company’s website was allegedly misleading and implied the disinfectant product was entered in the [Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods], when it was not,” the TGA said.

 

“Advertising for therapeutic goods must be truthful, balanced and not misleading. This includes any implied claims,” the regulator said.

 

“Other regulatory action may include suspension or cancellation of non-compliant or poor performing tests from the [therapeutic goods register],” a spokesman said.

 

Consumers have been advised by the TGA  to be cautious when buying sanitisers and other health products online.