complaint to tga: breaches of the therapeutic goods advertising … · 2019-07-29 · on july 1,...
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Complaint to TGA: Breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No. 2) 2018, s.26(3)(a) by companies advertising weight loss products
Page 1 of 22
Contents Background ...........................................................................................................................................................2
FatBlaster Clinical (Cat Media Pty Ltd) ARTG 295575 ..........................................................................................3
FatBlaster Clinical Thermo-boost (Cat Media Pty Ltd) ARTG: 000000?................................................................4
FatBlaster Max (Cat Media Pty Ltd) ARTG: 227714 ..............................................................................................5
FatBlaster FatMagnet (Cat Media Pty Ltd) ARTG: 145959 ...................................................................................6
FatBlaster Apple Cider Vinegar & Garcinia Max (Cat Media Pty Ltd) ARTG: Not Found ......................................7
FatBlaster Diuret (Cat Media Pty Ltd) ARTG: 314303 ..........................................................................................8
FatBlaster Garcinia Max (Cat Media Pty Ltd) ARTG: 229539 ................................................................................9
FatBlaster (Cat Media Pty Ltd) ARTG: 167323 ................................................................................................... 10
FatBlaster Triple Tea (Cat Media Pty Ltd) ARTG: 278976 .................................................................................. 11
Nature's Way SlimRight (Pharmacare) ARTG: 180211 ...................................................................................... 12
Healthy Care Forskolin (Nature's Care Manufacture Pty Limited) ARTG: 226073 (on label below BUT not found on ARTG) ................................................................................................................................................. 13
Healthy Care Garcinia with Guarana (Nature's Care Manufacture Pty Limited) ARTG: 260416 ....................... 14
Healthy Care Ultra Strength Garcinia Cambogia (Nature's Care Manufacture Pty Limited) ARTG: 229918 ..... 15
Health Care Garcinia with Prickly Pear (Nature's Care Manufacture Pty Limited) ARTG: 260415.................... 16
Optislim Plus Garcinia Cambogia (Opti-Pharm Pty Ltd) ARTG: 231397............................................................. 17
Blooms Melt (Phytologic Holdings Pty Ltd) ARTG: 204289 ............................................................................... 18
Blooms Svelte GCB 45 (Phytologic Holdings Pty Ltd) ARTG: 214218 ................................................................ 19
Cabot Health Metabocel Weight Control (Health Direction Pty Ltd) ARTG: 67833 .......................................... 20
CELLFOOD Natural Burn Formula (Cellfood Australia) ARTG: Not Found. ........................................................ 21
Complaint to TGA: Breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No. 2) 2018, s.26(3)(a) by companies advertising weight loss products
Page 2 of 22
Background
The Department of Health recognises the burden of chronic diseases, including obesity, on the Australian population. The National Strategic Framework for Chronic Conditions (NSFCC) specifically named ‘industry’ and ‘all levels of government’ as part of the solution.1
In 2018, weight loss products accounted for 8.7% of the total market for complementary medicines, or $430m million in sales.2 Concerns about the ineffectiveness of these products and their lax regulation by the TGA were first published in 2008.3
From 2008 to 2017, 22 complaints about the promotion of Pharmacare Laboratories FatBlaster FatMagnet products were upheld by the now abolished Therapeutic Goods Advertising Complaint Resolution Panel (CRP).4 However, as the CRP had no power to enforce its determinations, this promotion continued.
On July 1, 2008 the TGA took over the complaint system from the CRP and were provided with stronger investigative, compliance and enforcement powers.
On 6 July 2018 a complaint was submitted to the TGA about the ongoing unethical promotion of Pharmacare Laboratories FatBlaster FatMagnet products (AC-GBKDH2XG/2018). On 16 August 2018 additional information was provided at the request of the TG (AC-NJ15VLQ9/2018). At the time of writing, no outcome of these complaints has been published by the TGA.5
Meanwhile, the promotion of complementary medicine weight loss products continues, invariably using imagery of slim, svelte bodies, despite this being a breach of the current Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code.
The overweight and obese are a vulnerable population and such people are inevitably attracted to products promising a “quick fix”. It is particularly reprehensible that misleading and deceptive claims for these products continue to be made as they are likely to divert consumers from more evidence-based weight loss programs and waste their money.
It appears that both the complementary medicine industry and the TGA have abdicated their responsibility to assist the NSFCC and control the unethical promotion of weight loss products.
The Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No. 2) 2018, s.26(3)(a) says:
An advertisement for therapeutic goods containing any claim relating to weight management must not feature individuals in images or visual representations.6
This version of the Code took effect on 1 January 2019. The TGA noted that they would have discretion about its enforcement for the first 6-months of 2019.7
Screen shots taken on 29/07/2019 (appended) document 103 advertisements, from 35 advertisers, about 19 products that breach this section of the Code (and many others). In addition, four products advertised could not be found on the ARTG and appear to be illegally supplied.
1 https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/nsfcc 2 http://www.cmaustralia.org.au/resources/Documents/Australian%20Complementary%20Medicines %20Industry%20snapshot%202018_English.pdf 3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18205557 4 http://www.tgacrp.com.au/ 5 https://compliance.tga.gov.au/investigations-database/ 6 https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2018L01524 7 https://www.tga.gov.au/therapeutic-goods-advertising-update-29-october-2018
Complaint to TGA: Breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No. 2) 2018, s.26(3)(a) by companies advertising weight loss products
Page 3 of 22
FatBlaster Clinical (Cat Media Pty Ltd) ARTG 295575
Images breaching the Code found at:
• https://vitaminsforall.com.au/weight-loss/ • https://www.superpharmacy.com.au/products/naturopathica-fatblaster-clinical-60-capsules • https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/88367/naturopathica-fatblaster-clinical-60-capsules • https://www.pharmacyonline.com.au/weight-loss-fitness/weight-management/weight-loss-
supplements/naturopathica-fatblaster-clinical-cap-x-60 • https://www.priceline.com.au/diet-and-nutrition/diet-and-weight-management/supplements/fat-
blaster-clinical-60-tablets • https://www.discountdrugstores.com.au/naturopathica-fatblaster-clinical-60s.html • https://www.fatblaster.com.au/fatblaster-clinical-60s • Etc.
Complaint to TGA: Breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No. 2) 2018, s.26(3)(a) by companies advertising weight loss products
Page 4 of 22
FatBlaster Clinical Thermo-boost (Cat Media Pty Ltd) ARTG: 000000?
Images breaching the Code found at:
• https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/92273/naturopathica-fatblaster-clinical-thermo-boost-60-capsules
Complaint to TGA: Breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No. 2) 2018, s.26(3)(a) by companies advertising weight loss products
Page 5 of 22
FatBlaster Max (Cat Media Pty Ltd) ARTG: 227714
Images breaching the Code found at:
• https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/39961/naturopathica-fatblaster-max-60-tablets • https://www.pharmacyonline.com.au/weight-loss-fitness/weight-management/weight-loss-
supplements/naturopathica-fatblaster-max-tab-x-60 • https://www.priceline.com.au/diet-and-nutrition/diet-and-weight-management/supplements/fat-
blaster-max-60-tablets • https://www.superpharmacy.com.au/products/naturopathica-fatblaster-max-60-tablets • https://www.fatblaster.com.au/fatblaster-max-60s • Etc.
Complaint to TGA: Breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No. 2) 2018, s.26(3)(a) by companies advertising weight loss products
Page 6 of 22
FatBlaster FatMagnet (Cat Media Pty Ltd) ARTG: 145959
Images breaching the Code found at:
• https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/59586/naturopathica-fatmagnet-100-tablets • https://www.pharmacyonline.com.au/weight-loss-fitness/weight-management/weight-loss-
supplements/fatblaster-fatmagnet-tab-x-60 • https://www.priceline.com.au/diet-and-nutrition/diet-and-weight-management/supplements/fat-
blaster-fatmagnet-100-tablets • https://www.fatblaster.com.au/fatblaster-fatmagnet-fat-absorber-60-pack • https://www.health365.com.au/naturopathica-fatmagnet-100s • https://www.superpharmacy.com.au/products/naturopathica-fatblaster-fatmagnet-60-tablets • https://www.discountdrugstores.com.au/naturopathica-fat-blaster-fat-magnet-60-tablets-
54386.html • Etc.
Complaint to TGA: Breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No. 2) 2018, s.26(3)(a) by companies advertising weight loss products
Page 7 of 22
FatBlaster Apple Cider Vinegar & Garcinia Max (Cat Media Pty Ltd) ARTG: Not Found
Images breaching the Code found at:
• https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/86216/naturopathica-fatblaster-apple-cider-vinegar-plus-garcinia-max-60-capsules
• https://www.pharmacyonline.com.au/weight-loss-fitness/weight-management/weight-loss-supplements/naturopathica-fatblaster-apple-cider-vinegar-garcinia-max-cap-x-60
• https://www.priceline.com.au/diet-and-nutrition/diet-and-weight-management/supplements/fat-blaster-apple-cider-vinegar-garcinia-max-60-capsules
• https://www.superpharmacy.com.au/products/naturopathica-fatblaster-apple-cider-vinegar--garcinia-max-60-tablets
• https://www.fatblaster.com.au/fatblaster-apple-cider-vinegar-garcinia-max • https://www.health365.com.au/fatblaster-apple-cider-vinegar-garcinia-max • Etc.
Complaint to TGA: Breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No. 2) 2018, s.26(3)(a) by companies advertising weight loss products
Page 8 of 22
FatBlaster Diuret (Cat Media Pty Ltd) ARTG: 314303
Images breaching the Code found at:
• https://www.vitaminking.com.au/diuret-tablets-by-naturopathica • https://static.chemistwarehouse.com.au/ams/media/pi/48965/F2D_200.jpg • https://www.priceline.com.au/diet-and-nutrition/diet-and-weight-management/supplements/fat-
blaster-diuret-60-tablets • https://www.fatblaster.com.au/fatblaster-diuret-60s • https://www.health365.com.au/weightloss/diuretics • Etc.
Complaint to TGA: Breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No. 2) 2018, s.26(3)(a) by companies advertising weight loss products
Page 9 of 22
FatBlaster Garcinia Max (Cat Media Pty Ltd) ARTG: 229539
Images breaching the Code found at:
• https://picclick.com.au/Fat-Blaster-Garcinia-Max-Weight-Loss-Tablets-123245398897.html • https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/71930/naturopathica-fatblaster-garcinia-max-60-
capsules • https://www.pharmacyonline.com.au/weight-loss-fitness/weight-management/weight-loss-
supplements/fatblaster-garcinia-max-2500mg-cap-x-60 • https://www.fatblaster.com.au/fatblaster-garcinia-max • https://www.health365.com.au/fatblaster-garcinia-max-60s • https://www.superpharmacy.com.au/products/naturopathica-fatblaster-garcinia-max-60-capsules • https://www.discountdrugstores.com.au/naturopathica-fatblaster-garcinia-max-60-tabs-
158795.html • Etc.
Complaint to TGA: Breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No. 2) 2018, s.26(3)(a) by companies advertising weight loss products
Page 10 of 22
FatBlaster (Cat Media Pty Ltd) ARTG: 167323
Images breaching the Code found at:
• https://www.fatblaster.com.au/fatblaster-60s • https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/39729/naturopathica-fatblaster-60-tablets • https://www.pharmacyonline.com.au/weight-loss-fitness/weight-management/weight-loss-
supplements/naturopathica-fatblaster-tab-x-60 • https://www.priceline.com.au/diet-and-nutrition/diet-and-weight-management/supplements/fat-
blaster-fatblaster-60-tablets • https://www.superpharmacy.com.au/products/naturopathica-fatblaster-60-tablets • https://www.fatblaster.com.au/fatblaster-60s • https://www.health365.com.au/naturopathica-fatblaster-60s • Etc.
Complaint to TGA: Breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No. 2) 2018, s.26(3)(a) by companies advertising weight loss products
Page 11 of 22
FatBlaster Triple Tea (Cat Media Pty Ltd) ARTG: 278976
Images breaching the Code found at:
• https://www.pharmacyonline.com.au/naturopathica-fatblaster-triple-tea-tab-x-60 • https://www.chemistdirect.com.au/naturopathica-fatblaster-triple-tea-tab-x-60? • https://www.chemistdiscountcentre.com.au/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwj_XpBRCCARIsAItJiuRsvfCTHAIfVmAAa
LfpJ0g8sznkQYhlXA3aG55s0vMj_FSGI7Qh2FIaAk5EEALw_wcB#!/prod/122340/naturopathica-fatblaster-triple-tea-fat-burner-60-tablets
• https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/80692/naturopathica-fatblaster-triple-tea-fat-burner-60-tablets
• https://www.fatblaster.com.au/fatblaster-triple-tea-fat-burner • Etc.
Complaint to TGA: Breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No. 2) 2018, s.26(3)(a) by companies advertising weight loss products
Page 12 of 22
Nature's Way SlimRight (Pharmacare) ARTG: 180211
Images breaching the Code found at:
• https://www.naturesway.com.au/nw-slimright-detox-n-burn-60s • https://www.health365.com.au/natures-way-slimright-detox-n-burn • Etc.
Complaint to TGA: Breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No. 2) 2018, s.26(3)(a) by companies advertising weight loss products
Page 13 of 22
Healthy Care Forskolin (Nature's Care Manufacture Pty Limited) ARTG: 226073 (on label below BUT not found on ARTG)
Images breaching the Code found at:
• https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/Buy/72687/Healthy-Care-Forskolin-125mg-60-Capsules
• http://www.healthycare.com.au/our-products/weight-management/item/hc-forskolin-125mg-60-capsules?category_id=62
• Etc.
Complaint to TGA: Breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No. 2) 2018, s.26(3)(a) by companies advertising weight loss products
Page 14 of 22
Healthy Care Garcinia with Guarana (Nature's Care Manufacture Pty Limited) ARTG: 260416
Images breaching the Code found at:
• http://www.healthycare.com.au/our-products/weight-management/item/hc-garcinia-with-guarana-100-capsules?category_id=62
• https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/77743/healthy-care-garcinia-with-guarana-100-capsules
• http://www.epharmacy.com.au/product.asp?id=77743&pname=Healthy+Care+Garcinia+with+Guarana+100+Capsules
• https://www.mychemist.com.au/buy/77743/healthy-care-garcinia-with-guarana-100-capsules
• Etc.
Complaint to TGA: Breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No. 2) 2018, s.26(3)(a) by companies advertising weight loss products
Page 15 of 22
Healthy Care Ultra Strength Garcinia Cambogia (Nature's Care Manufacture Pty Limited) ARTG: 229918
Images breaching the Code found at:
• https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/74142/healthy-care-ultra-strength-garcinia-cambogia-100-capsules
• http://www.healthycare.com.au/our-products/weight-management/item/hc-ultra-strength-garcinia-cambogia-10000-100-capsules?category_id=62
• http://www.epharmacy.com.au/product.asp?id=74142&pname=Healthy+Care+Ultra+Strength+Garcinia+Cambogia+100+Capsules
• Etc.
Complaint to TGA: Breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No. 2) 2018, s.26(3)(a) by companies advertising weight loss products
Page 16 of 22
Health Care Garcinia with Prickly Pear (Nature's Care Manufacture Pty Limited) ARTG: 260415
Images breaching the Code found at:
• https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/Buy/77744/Healthy-Care-Garcinia-With-Prickly-Pear-Cactus-100-Capsules
• http://www.healthycare.com.au/cache/com_zoo/images/89335-hc-garcinia-with-prickly-pear-cactus-100-capsules_40a72309ecd49e7593916a459b1eaafb.png
• http://www.epharmacy.com.au/product.asp?id=77744&pname=Healthy+Care+Garcinia+With+Prickly+Pear+%28Cactus%29+100+Capsules
• https://www.westfield.com.au/products/chemist-warehouse/healthy-care-garcinia-with-prickly-pear-cactus-100-capsules/482d93b2-3569-467e-8810-7060e168aebd
• https://www.mychemist.com.au/buy/77744/healthy-care-garcinia-with-prickly-pear-cactus-100-capsules
• Etc.
Complaint to TGA: Breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No. 2) 2018, s.26(3)(a) by companies advertising weight loss products
Page 17 of 22
Optislim Plus Garcinia Cambogia (Opti-Pharm Pty Ltd) ARTG: 231397
Images breaching the Code found at:
• https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/71846/optislim-garcinia-cambogia-60-tablets • https://www.optislim.com.au/products/optislim-plus-garcinia-cambogia-18-000-mg-60-hca • http://www.medicine.com.au/product/optislim-garcinia-cambogia-60-tablets/ • https://www.priceline.com.au/proslim-proslim-plus-garcinia-cambogia-18-000mg-60-tablets • Etc.
Complaint to TGA: Breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No. 2) 2018, s.26(3)(a) by companies advertising weight loss products
Page 18 of 22
Blooms Melt (Phytologic Holdings Pty Ltd) ARTG: 204289
Images breaching the Code found at:
• https://www.superpharmacy.com.au/products/blooms-melt-weight-management-60-vege-capsules • https://www.pharmacyonline.com.au/weight-loss-fitness/weight-management/weight-loss-
supplements/blooms-melt-weight-loss-cap-x-60 • https://www.naturalhealthorganics.com.au/blooms-melt-weight-loss-60-vege-caps.html • https://www.pharmacy4less.com.au/blooms-melt-weight-loss-formula-60-vege-cap-4.html • https://www.chempro.com.au/BLOOMS-MELT-WEIGHT-LOSS-CAPSULES-60 • https://www.mrvitamins.com.au/blooms-melt-weight-loss-60vc • https://www.discountvitaminsexpress.com.au/product/blooms-melt-complex-60-vege-capsules • https://www.cityhealth.com.au/p/Weight-Loss/Melt-Weight-Loss-60-caps/9313818170133 • https://www.buyorganicsonline.com.au/blooms-melt-weight-loss-with-garcinia-2500mg-60vc/ • Etc.
Complaint to TGA: Breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No. 2) 2018, s.26(3)(a) by companies advertising weight loss products
Page 19 of 22
Blooms Svelte GCB 45 (Phytologic Holdings Pty Ltd) ARTG: 214218
Images breaching the Code found at:
• https://www.pharmacyonline.com.au/weight-loss-fitness/weight-management/weight-loss-supplements/blooms-svelte-gcb-45-green-coffee-bean-cap-x-90-in-stock-now
• https://www.superpharmacy.com.au/products/blooms-svelte-gcb45-green-coffee-bean-30-capsules • https://www.mrvitamins.com.au/best-buy/blooms-svelte-gcb-45-green-coffee-bean-90c • https://www.yourdiscountchemist.com.au/blooms-svelte-gcb-45-x-90-capsules.html • https://discountchemist.com.au/product/blooms-svelte-gcb-45-30-vege-capsules/ • https://www.vitaminking.com.au/svelte-gcb-45-90-capsules-by-blooms • https://www.buyorganicsonline.com.au/blooms-svelte-gcb-45-green-coffee-bean-30vc/ • Etc.
Complaint to TGA: Breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No. 2) 2018, s.26(3)(a) by companies advertising weight loss products
Page 20 of 22
Cabot Health Metabocel Weight Control (Health Direction Pty Ltd) ARTG: 67833
Images breaching the Code found at:
• https://www.pharmacyonline.com.au/weight-loss-fitness/weight-management/weight-loss-supplements/cabot-health-metabocel-weight-control-with-brindleberry-tab-x-90
• https://www.discountnaturalhealth.com/metabocel-weight-control-90-tabs-cabot-health/ • https://www.chemistdirect.com.au/cabot-health-metabocel-weight-control-with-brindleberry-tab-x-
90 • https://shop.cabothealth.com.au/metabocel-weight-control-90-tablets • https://www.naturalhealthorganics.com.au/brands/cabot-health/cabot-health-metabocel-weight-
control-90-tablets.html • https://www.vitaminking.com.au/metabocel-weight-control-by-cabot-health-sandra-cabot • https://www.superpharmacy.com.au/products/cabot-health-metabocel-weight-control-90-tablets • Etc.
Complaint to TGA: Breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No. 2) 2018, s.26(3)(a) by companies advertising weight loss products
Page 21 of 22
CELLFOOD Natural Burn Formula (Cellfood Australia) ARTG: Not Found.
Images breaching the Code found at:
• https://www.cellfood.com.au/cellfood-natural-burn/ • https://www.pharmacyonline.com.au/weight-loss-fitness/weight-management/weight-loss-
supplements/cellfood-natural-burn-formula-118ml • https://www.supersupplementstore.com.au/product/cellfood-natural-burn-formula-118ml/ • https://lyfe.com.au/products/cellfood-natural-burn-formula-118ml • https://australianorganicproducts.com.au/products/cellfood-natural-burn-formula-118ml • https://www.healthybeing.com.au/cellfood-natural-fat-burn-formula-118ml • https://www.discountvitaminsexpress.com.au/product/cell-food-natural-burn-formula-118ml • https://www.thehealthyhousehold.com.au/products/cellfood-natural-burn-formula-118ml • https://www.chemistdirect.com.au/cellfood-natural-burn-formula-118ml • https://www.discountvitaminsexpress.com.au/product/cell-food-natural-burn-formula-118ml • Etc.
Complaint to TGA: Breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No. 2) 2018, s.26(3)(a) by companies advertising weight loss products
Page 22 of 22
Complaint submitted on 29 July 2019 by:
Dr Ken Harvey MB BS, FRCPA, AM Associate Professor
Public Health and Preventive Medicine Monash University Level 1, 553 St Kilda Rd Melbourne VIC 3004 M: +61 419181910 E: [email protected] W: monash.edu President, Friends of Science in Medicine W: scienceinmedicine.org.au
Director, Medreach Pty Ltd W: medreach.com.au