Consumer protection actions target supplement claims and food advertising

Consumer protection organizations and authorities are increasing scrutiny over dietary supplements and food advertising. In Germany, the organization Foodwatch has taken legal action against several prominent fitness and nutrition brands, including More Nutrition, Naturally You, and ESN, regarding Ashwagandha products. The legal challenges focus on the use of unsubstantiated health claims and the absence of necessary safety warnings for vulnerable groups, specifically pregnant women and individuals with liver disease.

In Switzerland, the food industry has reached a voluntary agreement with the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (BLV) to restrict advertising for high-sugar, high-salt, and high-fat products targeting children under 13. The agreement prohibits such advertising near primary schools and during children's programming. However, the industry secured a clause allowing advertising on platforms where the target audience of under-13s is less than 30 percent, meaning marketing on popular gaming sites like Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite may continue.