The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has asked the private TV channels in the country to stop the telecast of misleading advertisements by Naaptol Shopping Online Pvt Ltd and toothpaste brand Sensodyne owned by GlaxoSmithKline.
In February, the Consumer protection regulator CCPA passed an order against GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare Ltd and Naaptol Online Shopping Ltd for flouting norms and misleading ads, and unfair trade practices.
The ministry has sought compliance with the February order passed by CCPA.
As per reports, both the companies were provided with an opportunity to be heard and the Consumer Affairs Ministry did not receive any data from companies that substantiate their claims. Naaptol, which has complied with the order, paid the fine, but Sensodyne has appealed against the order.
In March, CCPA has ordered the discontinuation of advertisements for Sensodyne products which makes the claims “Recommended by dentists worldwide” and “World’s No.1 sensitivity toothpaste” within seven days and directed payment of a penalty of Rs 10,00,000. Also, advertisements which show endorsements by foreign dentists have been ordered to be discontinued as per the earlier order passed by CCPA.
