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The Chocolate Brown network has unfoundedly claimed that its solariums are healthy, the Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH) said on Tuesday, which forced the franchise chain operator to compensate consumers and raise awareness, among other things.
Last year, GVH launched an investigation against Sun System Kft., Which operates the Chocolate Brown solarium franchise network, because
Their messages may have given consumers the impression that they could tan in a healthy way without harming the human body.
At the same time, the Competition Authority concluded that the scientific opinion is that tanning is associated with an increased risk of developing skin cancer, has an adverse effect on long-term health, and accelerates skin aging.
The Authority’s investigation has now concluded that
the company has misleadingly suggested to consumers that its tanning beds are “healthy,” “skin-friendly,” and “supportive of health.”
Advertising messages made in relation to improving health, preventing disease and reducing your risk, especially protection against influenza, have also been shown to be illegal, writes the GVH.
They have escaped the penalty, but consumers must be compensated.
Sun System Kft. Cooperated with the competition authority during the proceedings: it partially acknowledged the infringement and dropped the messages in question, and even repeatedly called the attention of its franchise partners to refrain from making health-related statements. Therefore, GVH waived the imposition of the fine in its decision, and instead required the company to fulfill its compensatory obligations for the infringement. In the context of these
All consumers who purchased their first season ticket on the solarium network during the period covered by the misleading advertisements (March 2018 to March 2019) must be reimbursed.
The company is also running a consumer awareness campaign on the general risks and effects of tanning. The company should also introduce an internal corporate compliance program and make it mandatory for its franchise partners to help prevent further similar violations, the statement said.
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