Australian Beauty Group Pty Ltd fined $26,640 for alleged advertising breaches in relation to thermometers

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), part of the Department of Health, has issued two infringement notices totalling $26,640 to Melbourne-based company Australian Beauty Group Pty Ltd for alleged advertising breaches.

Australian Beauty Group allegedly advertised non-contact thermometers, on two of the company's websites, and implied the TGA had endorsed the medical devices.

Promoting products as "TGA approved" or "TGA registered", or including other government endorsements, whether they are included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) or not, is a breach of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act). The TGA has published guidance on how advertisers can lawfully advise consumers that a product is included in the ARTG.

Breaches of the Act and the Code are of significant concern to the TGA given the current pandemic.

The TGA's highest priority is to protect the health and safety of the Australian public through regulation of therapeutic goods.

The TGA takes action against breaches of the Act

The regulatory scheme is critical to the safety of Australian consumers and the TGA investigates suspected illegal activity in relation to therapeutic goods. A range of compliance and enforcement tools are available and may include criminal or civil court proceedings, which can result in substantial penalties, fines or imprisonment.

If you suspect non-compliance, you can report illegal or questionable practices online to the TGA.

Any person, including businesses, advertising therapeutic goods to consumers must comply with the requirements for advertising. The TGA encourages people to report suspected non-compliant advertising via its advertising complaints form.

Visit the TGA website for tips about how to spot a dodgy health product.