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Bulletin: 19/5
Batch: 258
Reference: 33125
Product: Miscellaneous (Online Retailer)
Advertiser: Evergreen
Agency:
Medium: Online - Company Website
ASAI Code 7th Edition: 2.4(c), 11.1, 11.5, 11.8(a), 11.8(b), 11.8(c)
The advertisement stated the following:
“Crystal Salt Lamp
From
Was €21.15€15.95Description
Crystal Salt Lamps are made from Himalayan crystal salt which is a highly acclaimed product in the world of holistic health. Salt lamps have many potential health benefits and are ideal for use near televisions, computers, in rooms where there is air conditioning and any area where you wish to keep the natural quality of air. Another potential benefit to these lamps is for asthma sufferers as it will help to improve the quality of the air and will help to reduce airborne bacteria which can trigger asthma and many allergies. Salt lamps can also help with the treatment of respiratory problems and rheumatism. As well as having holistic health benefits, salt lamps are also decorative and look well placed in any part of your home. All lamps are different in shape and size consisting of 3 to 4 walls. Place this lamp in any part of your home or workplace where you wish to purify the air and enjoy how beautiful and aesthetic it is. Bulb may not be provided. The small salt lamp is approximately 1.5-3kg, the medium salt lamp is approximately 3-5kg. The large is approx.. 5-6kg & the extra large is approx.. 6-8kg.”
The complainant considered the claims made in relation to the benefits of the product to be misleading and unsubstantiated. She considered that it was irresponsible to mislead the public about health matters, including serious conditions, such as asthma.
The advertisers said that they carried out an internal audit of the product description in question. They said that following the review, they amended the description which they had sourced from the supplier. They forwarded the link to the amended webpage, which did not contain any health claims.
Complaint upheld.
The Complaints Committee considered the detail of the complaint and the advertisers’ response. They noted that the description of the product in question has been amended.
The Committee noted that substantiation for the claims had not been provided. In the absence of substantiation for the claims regarding the health benefits of the advertised product, they concluded the advertisement to be in breach of the Code section 11.1.
ACTION REQUIRED:
As the advertisement had been amended, no further action was required.