Singapore – The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) has ordered water filtration brand Purexygen to remove its misleading claims and review its own marketing practices amidst public outcry on the brand’s claims that its water filters were tested by testing bodies in the sales kit, and were used by its salespersons in their sales pitches to consumers.
In a statement by the CCCS, the competition watchdog had mentioned that it had issued warnings to Purexygen and its directors regarding the unfair practices. CCCS will take action if Purexygen or their directors breach the undertakings or engage in any other unfair practices.
Moreover, CCCS said that following their investigation, Purexygen has taken active steps to make changes to their business practices to ensure compliance with the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act 2003 (CPFTA).
Some of these changes include the removal of false claims from Purexygen’s sales kit, misleading promotion listings on Carousell, and misleading claims on the health benefits of alkaline or filtered water from its website, Facebook and Instagram pages, and providing the outstanding sets of water filters to the consumer.
Sia Aik Kor, chief executive at CCCS, said, “Suppliers in the water filtration system industry are reminded to review their marketing materials to ensure that any claims made to consumers are clear, accurate and substantiated. Suppliers should also review their business practices from time to time to ensure that such practices do not amount to unfair practices. Under the CPFTA, CCCS can seek court orders against errant suppliers who persist in unfair practices.”
Purexygen came under fire after it made misleading claims on the health benefits of alkaline or filtered water on Purexygen’s website, Facebook and Instagram pages including claims that alkaline or filtered water can help prevent health conditions such as osteoporosis, acid reflux, blood pressure conditions and diabetes.
Moreover, public outcry also noted that the brand misrepresented its water faucet and water dispenser were free for a limited time in listings on Carousell, when the price benefit or advantage did not exist as the water faucet and water dispenser are provided to all Purexygen customers free of charge at all times.