“保健品”≠保健食品 ！市场监管总局整治“保健品”虚假宣传

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the distinction between "health products" and "health food," highlighting the prevalence of false advertising and misleading claims in the health product market in China [1][2]. Group 1: Definition and Issues - "Health products" are broadly defined without clear legal boundaries, often including items like "health wine," "height-increasing powder," and various daily consumer goods that claim health benefits, while "health food" is legally registered and can claim specific health functions [1]. - The health product market has seen significant issues such as false advertising, exaggerated claims, and consumer deception, necessitating consumer awareness in selecting legitimate health food products [1]. Group 2: Marketing Malpractices - The marketing chaos in the health product sector includes three main issues: the shift of illegal marketing to online platforms, the emergence of covert marketing channels through private live streaming, and the use of deceptive marketing tactics targeting vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly [2]. - Influencers and well-known bloggers are exploiting their reach to promote ordinary products and health foods through misleading claims, which infringes on consumer rights [2]. Group 3: Regulatory Actions - The market regulatory authority has been actively combating illegal practices since 2020, with over 6,304 cases investigated and fines totaling 260 million yuan, focusing on false advertising and unfair competition in the health product market [3]. - New initiatives include encouraging consumers to report illegal activities and enhancing supervision of direct sales companies to prevent violations [3]. Group 4: Future Directions and Consumer Guidance - The regulatory body plans to continue addressing false advertising in health products, particularly for the elderly, to protect consumer rights and maintain fair market competition [4]. - Consumers are advised to recognize legitimate health food labels, choose reputable purchasing channels, and remain vigilant against deceptive marketing tactics [4].