Pill maker under fire over its Banting claims
A pharmaceutical company manufacturing "Banting friendly" supplements and products was found to be dishonest and asked to withdraw its claims. Three complaints were made to the Advertising Standards Authority of SA against Banting Support Range products.The advertising watchdog agreed with the complainants and ordered CNT Labs - a division of California Pharmaceuticals, which supplies stores including Clicks and Dischem - to withdraw its "approved Banting friendly" claim immediately.The complaints, which focused on a Facebook advertisement, claimed the advert was "misleading" and "dishonest".The advert features six products that are "an all-natural supplement support range to assist the body in maintaining optimal health and functionality for individuals following the Banting/LCHF [low-carb, high-fat] lifestyle".Featured products include Low Carb Protein Drink, Digestive Tract Cleanser and Appitex Appetite Support.The complainants called the pharmaceutical company out for its products, saying, "Banting is real food-based and not pill-based."CNT Labs acknowledged the complaints but failed to respond to the advertising watchdog.Yesterday the company told The Times the label "approved Banting friendly" had been removed within 24 hours of the complaint being received and replaced with "Banting friendly".Professor Tim Noakes, chief advocate of the LCHF diet, warned people to make sure products were true to the "Banting philosophy"...
There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.
From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.
For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.
Already subscribed? Sign in below.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.