Cat Media Pty Ltd fined $39,960 for alleged advertising unregistered weight-loss products

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), part of the Department of Health, has issued three infringement notices totalling $39,960 to Cat Media Pty Ltd (Cat Media). The TGA issued the fines for alleged unlawful advertising of three complementary medicines that were not entered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).

The unapproved products were:

• FatBlaster FatMagnet
• FatBlaster Apple Cider Vinegar & Garcinia Max
• FatBlaster Max.

This is the third time that the TGA has issued such notices to Cat Media for this type of advertising.

Cat Media allegedly advertised the FatBlaster products on the Chinese language section of its website, after paying infringement notices for similar alleged unlawful advertisements presented in English. The medicines were not entered on the ARTG.

Therapeutic goods not entered on the ARTG cannot be advertised to Australian consumers unless a valid exemption or exclusion applies. Advertising promoting the use or supply of such goods (including complementary medicines) breaches the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act).

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 unlawful activity in relation to therapeutic goods.

We remind online advertisers that sanctions and penalties can apply if they advertise therapeutic goods in a way that does not comply with Australia's advertising laws.

The TGA encourages people to report suspected non-compliant advertising via its advertising reporting form.

The TGA website includes tips for consumers about how to spot a dodgy health product ad.