Food and drug safety ministry flags 308 illegal medical product ads ahead of Chuseok

The food and drug safety ministry said it has identified 308 cases of illegal online advertising and distribution involving quasi-drugs, cosmetics and medical devices ahead of the Chuseok holiday. The regulator requested the Korea Communications Standards Commission to block the relevant websites and asked related agencies to conduct on-site inspections of the offending vendors.

Medical devices accounted for the largest share with 200 cases, including 142 involving illegal overseas direct purchases or purchasing agents. The ministry also flagged 58 cases where general industrial products such as massagers and patches were falsely advertised as medical devices capable of relieving pain.

Cosmetics represented 63 violations, with 44 making claims typically reserved for pharmaceuticals such as skin regeneration or anti-aging effects. Another eight cases improperly marketed general cosmetics as functional products, while 11 used misleading expressions regarding specific institutions or medical procedures.

Quasi-drugs comprised the remaining 45 violations, primarily involving toothpastes, mouth fresheners and teeth whitening products. Listings in this category made unauthorized claims about gum regeneration, anti-inflammatory effects, periodontal disease improvement, and cavity prevention.

"Particular caution is needed when encountering cosmetics claiming medical effects like skin regeneration or anti-aging, quasi-drugs advertising beyond approved efficacy, illegally distributed medical devices via overseas direct purchase, and industrial products marketed as medical devices," the ministry said in a statement. It urged consumers to verify whether advertised effects match the content approved by the ministry through its official information search portals before making purchases.

The ministry said it will continue to conduct concentrated inspections on illegal online distribution and false advertising of medical products during specific periods such as Chuseok to create a sound online distribution and advertising environment where consumers can purchase products with peace of mind.