Group 1 - The core issue involves the false advertising practices of Sichuan Ruikang Home Health Management Co., Ltd. (referred to as "Ruikang Home") targeting elderly consumers [1] - Ruikang Home organized free product trials for elderly consumers, promoting "Bee Propolis Bitter Melon Ginkgo Leaf Soft Capsules" through a video claiming it could treat diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases [1] - The product in question is classified as a health food and does not possess any disease treatment capabilities, leading to the company's inability to provide evidence supporting its claims [1] Group 2 - As a result of the false advertising, Ruikang Home was fined 16,000 yuan (approximately 2,200 USD) by the market supervision bureau in Weiyuan County, Neijiang City, Sichuan Province [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the issue of false advertising in the pharmaceutical and health supplement industry targeting elderly consumers, emphasizing the need for awareness and protective measures against such deceptive practices [1]. Common False Advertising Tactics - Exaggeration of Efficacy: Claims that products can "cure all diseases," "cure cancer," or "replace medications" without scientific backing [2]. - Fabrication of Ingredients: Misleading consumers by claiming the presence of "rare ingredients," "patented technology," or "imported products" [3]. - False Case Studies: Creating fictitious before-and-after scenarios or fabricating "successful cure" stories, often impersonating authoritative endorsements to enhance credibility [3]. - Emotional Marketing: Engaging elderly consumers through free health check-ups, phone care, and small gifts, leading to gradual inducement of purchases [3]. - Consumer Fraud: Inflating product prices and using promotional tactics like "limited-time offers" to entice impulsive buying among elderly consumers [3]. - Inductive Language: Employing so-called "experts" to create false health crises under the guise of free health check-ups, leading to high-priced product purchases [3]. Risk Prevention Tips - Rational Health Management: Encouraging a calm mindset and skepticism towards miraculous claims, advising visits to reputable pharmacies or hospitals for health products [4]. - Verification of Qualifications: Ensuring products have proper certifications, such as "National Drug Approval" and "Blue Hat" for health foods, and checking approval numbers through official channels [4]. - Reasonable Consumption: Advising against hasty decisions during promotions and encouraging discussions with family and friends to avoid impulsive purchases [4]. - Retaining Evidence: Suggesting the preservation of purchase receipts, promotional materials, and communication records for potential claims [4]. Complaint and Reporting Channels - Providing contact numbers and online platforms for reporting false advertising and other violations related to health products [5]. Community Involvement - Emphasizing the collective effort required from society to protect the health and safety of elderly individuals and maintain a fair market environment [6].

Core Viewpoint - The State Administration for Market Regulation is launching a nationwide campaign to combat false advertising of drugs and health products targeting the elderly, aiming to maintain fair competition and protect consumer rights [1] Group 1: Regulatory Actions - Jiangsu Province's Nanjing City Market Supervision Bureau penalized Li Huifang Food Business for false advertising, imposing a fine of 100,000 yuan for promoting ordinary food products as having therapeutic effects [2] - Zhangjiagang City Market Supervision Bureau fined Deji De Youdis Supermarket 200,000 yuan for misleading claims about health products, emphasizing the importance of public supervision in addressing market irregularities [3] - Shanghai's Jing'an District Market Supervision Bureau fined Lunlun Food Store 200,000 yuan for using deceptive marketing tactics to promote ordinary food as having disease treatment capabilities [4] - Ningbo's Ninghai County Market Supervision Bureau fined Ningbo Xingkang Health Management Co. 200,000 yuan for exaggerating the health benefits of their products during marketing events [6] - Beijing's Market Supervision Bureau fined Beijing Xuanyantang Biotechnology Co. 100,000 yuan for false user reviews during live streaming, highlighting the need for truthful commercial promotion [7][8] - Beijing Shijingshan District Market Supervision Bureau fined Beijing Wutongzhijia Technology Co. 200,000 yuan for making unsubstantiated health claims about their products, showcasing the issue of pseudoscientific marketing [9] Group 2: Impact on Elderly Consumers - The crackdown on false advertising is crucial for protecting the rights of elderly consumers who are often targeted by misleading marketing practices [2][3][4] - The regulatory actions serve as a deterrent against businesses that exploit the health concerns of older adults, promoting a healthier and more trustworthy market environment [5][6][9]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the prevalence of false advertising in the health supplement industry, particularly focusing on the EZZ growth peptide product marketed on Douyin, which has faced multiple consumer complaints regarding misleading claims and refund issues [2][3][5]. Group 1: Consumer Complaints - Consumers have reported issues with the EZZ growth peptide, claiming it promised height increases of 2 to 6 cm but failed to deliver results after multiple cycles of use [5][7]. - Complaints center around three main issues: inducement to purchase, false advertising, and lack of clear communication that the product is a health supplement rather than a medication [5][9]. - The product's marketing emphasizes the importance of investing in children's futures, using persuasive language to encourage purchases without directly stating inducement [6][7]. Group 2: False Advertising in Health Supplements - False advertising is a common issue in the health supplement sector, with a report indicating that 30.5% of consumer complaints relate to misleading claims about health products [3]. - The direct sales model in the health supplement industry accounts for approximately 49% of the market, with 82% of direct sales companies involved in health products, creating an environment conducive to inflated claims and high prices [3][12]. - Legal experts note that the lack of stringent regulations for health supplements compared to pharmaceuticals allows for misleading marketing practices [14][18]. Group 3: Regulatory Challenges - Platforms like Douyin face significant challenges in regulating health product advertisements due to the vast amount of content and the complexity of health-related claims [17][18]. - The article discusses the need for better regulatory measures, including keyword filtering and regular compliance checks for high-risk products [18]. - The ambiguity in legal definitions and the difficulty in proving false advertising claims complicate consumer protection efforts [15][16].