A vitamin and health brand backed by influencers and celebrities has been fined for illegal advertising after it claimed its products could prevent “serious diseases” such as cancer and Alzheimer’s.
Since launching in 2019, JSHealth has become a cult following, with the Sydney-based company now worth $798 million and selling a bottle of vitamins every 10 seconds.
The brand was founded by multi-millionaire Jessica Seppel and offers nutritional supplements, skin care products, marine collagen and plant-based protein powders.
Now it has come to light that the Therapeutic Goods Administration has fined the brand $26,640 for illegal advertising.
JSHealth has received two notices of infringement for alleged illegal use of a restricted and prohibited representation in the advertising of complementary medicines included in the list.
The TGA alleges that the company’s advertising claims the product can treat or prevent serious diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer’s.
“These are restricted and prohibited representations which are not permitted to be used in advertising without the permission of the TGA, which the company did not have,” the TGA said in a statement.
Before a company is allowed to advertise to Australian consumers that its products can treat serious conditions, it must apply to the TGA.
The application must include scientific research and other evidence to support the claim.
Ms. Sepel, 33, runs the brand with her CEO husband, Dean Steingold.
JSHealth made a major business move in July when it expanded into Chemist Warehouse, and its supplements cost between $44.99 and $69.99 for a 60-capsule bottle, depending on the product.
“As the founder of the brand, this is a proud moment and a big step for JSHealth Vitamins,” Ms Sepel said in a statement at the time.
“Since we launched four years ago, I’ve always said how important it is to me that Australians have easy access to our health and beauty products, and partnering with a reputable powerhouse like Chemist Warehouse really extends that opportunity.
“I’m very excited to take this next step, and I know our loyal community and new customers will be even more…I believe that making these products more accessible than ever will support so many.”
JSHealth is a favorite brand among influencers and celebrities around the world, heavily supported by Instagram advertising.
The vitamins are currently stocked in Australia, the UK and the US, with clients including Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Alba, Phoebe Tonkin, Lara Worthington and Martha Kalifatidis.
https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/celebrity-loved-brand-jshealth-fined-26k-for-unlawful-advertising-c-8321083
