Core Viewpoint - The market regulatory authorities and consumer associations in China have issued a warning to consumers about the misleading claims of ordinary food products being marketed as health supplements or having health benefits, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between ordinary food, health food, and pharmaceuticals [1][2]. Group 1: Regulatory Framework - There is a strict legal distinction between ordinary food, health food, and pharmaceuticals in China, with laws prohibiting false advertising and claims related to disease prevention and treatment [2]. - The laws such as the Anti-Unfair Competition Law, Advertising Law, and Consumer Rights Protection Law explicitly forbid misleading commercial promotions of food products [2]. Group 2: Consumer Guidance - Consumers are advised to carefully check product labels to identify whether they are ordinary food, health food, or pharmaceuticals, and to look for the "blue hat" symbol on health food products [3]. - It is recommended to purchase health food from reputable e-commerce platforms and physical stores, avoiding unverified sources such as social media or informal groups [3].

Group 1 - Recent media reports have exposed illegal practices by online retailers who mislabel ordinary food products as "health drinks," "height-enhancing powders," and "slimming coffee," misleading consumers into purchasing these items at inflated prices [1][3] - The State Administration for Market Regulation and the China Consumers Association have issued warnings that ordinary food cannot claim health benefits or involve disease prevention and treatment [1][2] - Health food is classified as a special food with specific health functions, and it is subject to strict registration and filing management in China, marked with a "blue hat" symbol [1][2] Group 2 - The Consumer Rights Protection Law mandates that businesses provide truthful and comprehensive information about the quality, performance, and uses of their products, prohibiting any misleading claims [2][3] - There is a clear distinction between health foods and pharmaceuticals, with health foods not intended for disease treatment and not causing harm to the body [2][3] - Illegal vendors often blur the lines between ordinary and health foods, promoting ordinary foods as having health benefits through misleading marketing tactics [3][4] Group 3 - Consumers are advised to recognize and verify health food labels and approval numbers, and to purchase from reputable sources to avoid misleading promotions [4] - Legal regulations explicitly prohibit any claims that foods can "treat," "cure," or "prevent" diseases, and consumers are encouraged to remain vigilant against such misleading advertisements [4]