Tag Archives: Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code

Multiple breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code by companies advertising weight loss products

Posted on July 29, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

The Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No. 2) 2018, s.26(3)(a) says: An advertisement for therapeutic goods containing any claim relating to weight management must not feature individuals in images or visual representations This version of the Code took effect on 1 … Continue reading →

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FOI application to view TGA “compliance notice sent with educational material” for complaint AC-KD45638R/2018 (Paingone)

Posted on January 7, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

This Freedom of Information (FOI) application reveals that the TGA summarised a detailed complaint alleging numerous specific breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code 2015 by sending one sentence to the advertisers, “The complaint alleges the advertisement may be misleading … Continue reading →

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Ear Candles: the outcome of TGA complaint AC-5TMWIYHC/2018

Posted on January 6, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

Ear candling is a widely promoted alternative medical practice that involves inserting and lighting a hollow candle in the ear canal. It is claimed that candling creates a vacuum that removes wax and that it can also relieve ear ache, … Continue reading →

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Consequences of TGA failure to act on complaints about illegal products

Posted on December 5, 2018 by Dr Ken Harvey

Therapeutic goods must be entered by the sponsor in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG)  before they can be legally sold. The purpose is to ensure consumers have some protection against potentially dangerous or fraudulent goods &/or misleading and … Continue reading →

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TGA fails to act on the promotion and sale of unapproved therapeutic goods

Posted on December 3, 2018 by Dr Ken Harvey

Products not regulated by the TGA represent, “a serious risk” says the regulator in, “Buying medicines and medical devices“. “These items have a high chance of being counterfeit, containing the wrong amount of active ingredient, being contaminated with toxic chemicals, … Continue reading →

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Vic Skeptics Café, 19/11/2018, Complementary Medicines, Advertising Reform and the TGA

Posted on November 21, 2018 by Dr Ken Harvey

Assoc Prof Ken Harvey and his School of Public Health students (left to right: Mal Vickers, Kithmini Cooray, Mary Malek, Ken Harvey) Speakers: Mal Vickers, Analysis of old and new advertising complaint systems Mary Malek, TGA consultation on “low risk” products Kithmini … Continue reading →

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TGA advertising system concerns: response from TGA

Posted on September 19, 2018 by Dr Ken Harvey

For background see: http://www.medreach.com.au/?p=2778 From: SKERRITT, John <John.Skerritt@health.gov.au> Sent: Tuesday, 18 September 2018 21:13 To: ken.harvey@medreach.com.au Cc: MCLAY, Nicole <Nicole.McLay@health.gov.au>; FRANCIS, Jenny <Jenny.Francis@health.gov.au>; SKERRITT, John <John.Skerritt@health.gov.au> Subject: RE: Letter from ACCC – TGA advertising concerns [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED] Dear Dr Harvey Thank you … Continue reading →

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Complaint to Commonwealth Ombudsman – TGA advertising complaint system

Posted on September 11, 2018 by Dr Ken Harvey

From 1 July 2018, the Therapeutic Goods Administration took over the complaint system for the advertising therapeutic goods to the public from the Complaint Resolution Panel (CRP). Many concerns about this TGA takeover were submitted in consultation submissions. They were … Continue reading →

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Another ineffective TGA complaint outcome: Detox Foot Pads Scams

Posted on September 6, 2018 by Dr Ken Harvey

Image purporting to show toxins withdrawn by detox foot pads. From (6/9/18): https://www.happynaturaltherapies.com.au/shop/happy-feet-foot-patches-box-40-20-pairs/ This product is on the ARTG no: 148412, sponsor: Rebark Trading Pty Ltd – Absorbent; Intended purpose: to absorb (to draw into itself) undesired toxins from the body. … Continue reading →

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Non-transparent outcome of TGA complaint: Sawyer Extractor™ Pump for Snake Bite, AC-22VHXCSG/2018

Posted on September 3, 2018 by Dr Ken Harvey

Screen shot 03/09/2018 and 8/11/2019 https://www.survivalsuppliesaustralia.com.au/products/sawyer-extractor-kit.php N.B. Finally taken down from this site on 26/11/2018 after publicity on ABC Background Briefing (around 34 minutes in) BUT, still available 27/11/2018 at https://www.amazon.com.au/Sawyer-Products-B4-Extractor-Pump/dp/B000AU9PEC Finally removed 12/12/2018 On 30/07/ 2018 I submitted that … Continue reading →

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