http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/324/7340/756/f
| Home | Help | Search/Archive | Feedback | Table of Contents |
|
Lynn Eaton BMJ
An international sweep of health related websites has uncovered more than a thousand sites that carry misleading information or make false claims.
The UK Office of Fair Trading, the Medicines Control Agency, and 21 local trading standards authorities took part in the investigation, which was carried out internationally by the International Marketing Supervision Network.
More than 170 UK based websites were identified as potentially misleading. More than a third of these promoted slimming aids, while others offered treatments for cancer, arthritis, sexual performance, and hair loss.
One offered a tablet that, the site claimed, would prevent a "beer belly" if taken at the same time as drinking alcohol. Another, also under investigation, claimed to obliterate all viruses in the body, including HIV, hepatitis, meningitis, and flu, as well as cancer.
The Office of Fair Trading recommends that customers be cautious about
products offering a cure-all for a wide range of ailments, testimonials claiming
amazing results, and advertisements using phrases such as "scientific
breakthrough" and "secret ingredient." It suggests consulting a pharmacist or
health professional before buying such products.
|
Read all Rapid Responses
| Home | Help | Search/Archive | Feedback | Table of Contents |
ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND
MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION
PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS
OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR
LEGAL ADVICE. THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND
COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH
YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.
