The Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade is enforcing penalties for misleading advertisements for products through satellite channels or the Internet.
“Misleading ads about certain drugs for diabetes and liver disease have led to deaths,” said Minister of Supply and Internal Trade Mohamed Abu Shady at the Advertising and Consumer Protection Charter Workshop on Monday. "The new constitution makes protecting the Egyptian consumer an inherent right."
The event was also attended by Minister of Information Doria Sharaf Eddin, president of the Egyptian Advertising Association Hazem Dera, and Atef Jacob, head of the Consumer Protection Agency.
The minister advised consumers to buy products only through reliable sources, keep invoices to refer to in case of defects or health complications, and take legal action in case of damage.
“We are forming a special body to monitor those misleading ads,” Jacob said.
Sharaf Eddin called on the government to support civil society organizations in this regard.
“Some of those ads are even being broadcast on Nilesat,” she said.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
