Contrary to EU sector rules, Nutriversum Kft. advertised its dietary supplements with pharmacist György Gődény, deceiving consumers, according to the announcement of the Economic Competition Office (GVH) on Monday. The competition office imposed a HUF 23.6 million fine in the case.
The GVH launched an investigation at the end of last year due to the advertisements of Nutriversem dietary supplements, which promoted the products on YouTube and other channels with the role of pharmacist György Gődény.
It was found that the advertisements advertised dietary supplements with the pharmacist, emphasizing his education and occupation, contrary to the EU rules on food. Pursuant to Community regulations, it is prohibited to refer to the recommendations of a doctor, health professional or, with certain exceptions, a health organization in relation to food in commercial messages, regardless of the reality of their content.
GVH's investigation also found content problems: some advertisements misleadingly suggested about the company's dietary supplements that their consumption can lead to a varied, balanced diet. They added: according to EU regulations, it is expressly prohibited to refer to this when advertising dietary supplements, as it is scientifically unfounded and provides incorrect information to consumers.
They wrote that Nutriversum Kft., which distributes the products, cooperated with the competition authority during the procedure: it removed the objectionable video content, acknowledged the infringement and waived the legal remedy. In addition, the company is preparing an internal competition law compliance program to avoid similar violations in the future, and the Competition Council of GVH reduced the possible amount of the fine to HUF 23.4 million.
The GVH also imposed a HUF 166,000 fine on East to West Hungary Trade Kft., which represents György Gődény in the marketing cooperation, the competition authority announced.
MTI
Photo: Péter Zsolnai
