Mineral water producer fined UAH 1.9 million for deceiving consumers
27 December 08:28
The Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine (AMCU) has fined mineral water producer Novomoskovsky Minvoda Plant PJSC UAH 1.9 million for disseminating misleading information on the label of Bon Boisson mineral natural table water. This was reported by Komersant ukrainskyi with reference to the AMCU.
It is noted that PJSC Novomoskovsky Minvoda Plant committed a violation under Article 15-1 of the Law of Ukraine “On Protection Against Unfair Competition”.
The AMCU found that PrJSC Novomoskovsk Minvoda Plant disseminated misleading information by stating on the labels of mineral natural table water “Bon Boisson” with a capacity of 0.75 l and 1.5 l bottles (still, slightly carbonated carbonated) of false information (“the highest pH* level among natural waters of Ukraine accelerates metabolism, has a powerful antioxidant effect and strengthens the immune system”), as well as variations of such information disseminated on Instagram and Facebook.
The AMCU found that PrJSC Novomoskovsk Minvoda Plant does not have the results of relevant scientific studies conducted on Bon Boisson water, which confirm the above information about the properties of such products.
The AMC reminded that according to the requirements of the current legislation, it is prohibited to place on the label and bottle of mineral water information on the presence of mineral water with uncharacteristic properties or consequences of consumption; statements about the usefulness and/or medicinal properties of mineral water in general and/or its individual components for the health of the consumer, unless such information is reliable and confirmed by the results of scientific research.
In the case of natural mineral table waters, it is possible to include information on the labeling of packaged water regarding the “health effect”, which is proven by the results of relevant scientific studies.
“The information on the labels of Bon Boisson water and in social networks about its properties may affect the intentions of consumers to purchase such products, and PJSC Novomoskovsk Minvoda Plant may gain undue competitive advantage,” the AMCU emphasizes.
It adds that Novomoskovsk Minvoda Plant PJSC admitted the violation and stopped disseminating misleading information, which was taken into account when determining the amount of the fine, which amounted to UAH 1 million 953 thousand 380.
It is worth noting that the manufacturer’s website states that Bon Boisson water is produced in a special hydrogeological region of Ukraine – the Solonyi Lyman in the Dnipro region, which has been a nature reserve since the mid-20th century.
