The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced that it has detected 308 cases of false advertising and illegal distribution as a result of inspecting products sold in online malls, where demand is expected to increase ahead of the Chuseok holiday.

For toothpaste and teeth whitening products, which are frequently included in holiday gift sets, there were 45 cases of false or exaggerated online advertising.

In cosmetics, 63 cases were detected, among which 44 cases involved advertising products as if they had the efficacy and effects of pharmaceuticals.

In cosmetic advertising, expressions indicating medical efficacy and effects—such as "skin regeneration," "anti-inflammation," "increase in ovarian hormones," and "cell regeneration"—are prohibited.

In addition, expressions designating specific institutions, such as "hospital-exclusive cosmetics" or "products used by dermatological clinics," as well as procedure-related expressions like "Botox cosmetics," are classified as false advertising.

The Ministry also inspected medical devices such as blood pressure monitors and low-frequency stimulators, detecting 142 cases of illegally distributed advertisements.

Furthermore, 58 cases of false advertising were detected in which general goods used expressions like "pain relief," causing consumers to mistakenly view them as medical devices.
(Photo provided by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Yonhap News)