CCPA notice to 2 firms for claims of neutralising Covid

New Delhi: The recently set up Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has sent notices to two big companies — one selling healthcare products and another a paint manufacturer — for making claims that their products neutralise the coronavirus.

The companies have been asked to substantiate their claims. This move is being seen as a signal to all manufacturers, advertisers and sellers that their claims are under the scanner and they need to back them with scientific evidence.

The central authority set up as per the Consumer Protection (CP) Act has the responsibility to ensure consumers are not shortchanged by misleading advertisements or due to inferior quality of goods and services. TOI has learnt that the notices were sent to these two companies after prima facie it was found that their claims were misleading. “We want that the manufacturers, advertisers and sellers do due diligence while making claims and these should be based on evidence. This is good for both the companies and for consumers. The authority is watching things closely,” said a source. The CCPA has the powers to inquire or investigate issues relating to violations of consumer rights or unfair trade practices suo motu or on receiving a complaint or on a direction from the central government.