The Competition Committee of Uzbekistan has warned against deceptive advertising of dietary supplements, which has reportedly led to worsening health conditions for consumers. The misuse of social media platforms, including Telegram channels, to promote dietary supplements as miraculous remedies for serious illnesses has raised concerns about public health and regulatory compliance.

Rise in misleading claims

Promotional content frequently portrays dietary supplements, ointments, balms, and herbal tinctures as highly effective solutions for treating and preventing complex medical conditions. These claims, often exaggerated or false, mislead consumers into viewing these products as alternatives to conventional medical treatments.

Religious influencers have also been implicated in endorsing such products, utilizing religious sentiment to increase consumer trust. This approach has fostered misconceptions about the therapeutic efficacy of these products, potentially leading consumers to abandon professional medical care in favor of self-treatment, with occasionally tragic consequences.

Consumer complaints and financial losses

The Competition Committee has received numerous complaints from individuals who experienced deteriorating health after using these supplements. In the first ten months of 2024, nearly 1,000 complaints were reviewed, and consumers were compensated with a total of 118 million UZS in material damages.

Regulatory framework

Under Uzbekistan's "Advertising Law," dietary supplement advertisements must meet strict requirements, including:

• Avoiding claims that suggest the products are medicines or have medicinal properties.
• Prohibiting references to individual recovery cases or testimonials.
• Refraining from portraying dietary supplements as superior to medications.
• Ensuring each advertisement explicitly states that the product is not a medicine.

Violations of these provisions can result in fines of up to 30 times the base calculation unit (BCU).

Official warning

The Competition Committee has reminded businesses and advertisers that false or misleading advertising causing material or moral harm to consumers, society, or the state will lead to legal consequences. The Committee also highlighted a growing trend of some entrepreneurs registering medical products as dietary supplements to circumvent stricter regulatory requirements.

The authorities urge consumers to remain vigilant and consult medical professionals before using such products, emphasizing that deceptive practices not only harm public health but also erode trust in legitimate healthcare solutions.