Taiko Pharmaceutical

History

2023: Penalty for cheating in advertising about 99.9% destruction of viruses with antiseptic

On April 11, 2023, it became known that the Japanese pharmaceutical company Taiko Pharmaceutical was imposed a record fine for advertising misleading consumers.

We are talking about antibacterial products Cleverin. According to advertising statements, this disinfectant, produced in the form of a spray or stick, is able to destroy viruses and bacteria with 99 percent effectiveness. Cleverin products have become especially popular amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but their real effectiveness has come into question.

The Japanese Consumer Affairs Agency reported that false information was contained on packages of five Cleverin products. The review found that Taiko Pharmaceutical's claims that antibacterial products are highly effective are not confirmed. In accordance with the current legislation, the company was fined 607.44 million yen (approximately $4.54 million at the exchange rate as of April 12, 2023). It is noted that this is the largest monetary penalty for violations of this kind.

Taiko Pharmaceutical stated that Cleverin preparations disinfect the air due to chlorine dioxide in a concentration safe for humans. The composition developed by Japanese scientists is protected by a patent. The substance, according to the company, destroys the protein structure of viruses and bacteria, which allows you to destroy microorganisms, including on various surfaces. Cleverin products are offered internationally.

Taiko Pharmaceutical was asked to provide materials confirming the effectiveness of the substance, and the company sent a number of documents. However, none of them contained enough evidence in favor of advertising statements, the Japan Consumer Affairs Agency said in a statement.[1]

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