TGA sweeps Internet for false claims

Media release

29 January 2002

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) today joins a range of Australian consumer protection authorities in "sweeping" the Internet for false or misleading claims.

The Australian Internet Sweep Day, coordinated by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), is part of an international evaluation of web sites, aimed at protecting consumers and promoting fair trading in the global market.

National Manager Terry Slater said officers from the TGA - the national regulator of therapeutic goods, including medicines and devices - would focus on inappropriate advertising of health and medical products.

"This Sweep is a great opportunity for the TGA to work with other agencies in identifying and pursuing breaches of therapeutic goods advertising laws and complements the other post-marketing activities that we undertake," Mr Slater said.

"The combined expertise and enforcement power of agencies participating in the Sweep reduces the ability of unscrupulous or ill-informed marketers to engage in illegal, deceptive or other practices that could lead to the unsafe use of medicines."

Internet sites that originate within Australia are regulated under a cooperative approach between the TGA, through therapeutic goods advertising legislation, and the therapeutic goods industry associations, using industry-based codes of practice.

However, the TGA does not have jurisdiction over off-shore Internet sites. In these circumstances, the TGA seeks assistance from the ACCC, which has links to 30 countries through the International Marketing Service Network (IMSN).

The IMSN is a network of consumer protection authorities which aims to prevent and reduce deceptive global marketing practices through international cooperation and information exchange.

The annual Sweep is a significant event in the IMSN calendar, with all participating countries agreeing to conduct the sweep over the three days, 28 January to 1 February, 2002. TGA officers will take part at the ACCC's Canberra office, 470 Northbourne Avenue, Dickson.

Media contacts:

Carina Tan-Van Baren (TGA) - 02 6289 5491 m 0402 337 059
Rachel Wolters (ACCC) - 02 6243 1317 m 0410 698 759