A PYMNTS Company

Canada Cracking Down On Deceptive COVID-19 Advertising

By  |  May 7, 2020

The Canada Competition Bureau is warning all businesses against making false or misleading claims that their products and services can prevent, treat or cure COVID-19. 

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

    The Bureau is actively monitoring the marketplace and taking action to stop potentially deceptive claims that could give Canadians a false impression that products or services can treat COVID-19 infections or protect against the coronavirus. 

    The Bureau has issued direct compliance warnings to a variety of businesses across Canada to stop potentially deceptive claims, including warnings against:

          1.  making claims that herbal remedies, bee-related products, vitamins, vegetables, or other food and drink products can prevent COVID-19 infections; and

          2.  making claims—without first conducting the testing required by law—that certain UV and ozone air sterilization systems, as well as certain air filters or air purifiers, will effectively kill or filter out the virus.

    The businesses included a major national retailer and businesses located in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Québec, and New Brunswick. Most of the businesses have taken corrective action, pulling products that raised concerns from their shelves or stopping the claims. The Bureau continues to monitor the situation and will take further action as needed.

    Full Content: Canada

    Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.