Photo/Illutration The Consumer Affairs Agency has warned people about false claims that certain products can prevent new coronavirus infections. (Captured from the Consumer Affairs Agency twitter account)

The Consumer Affairs Agency on March 10 warned the public not to fall for online sales pitches that tout products ranging from natto to air purifiers as effective in preventing novel coronavirus infections.

An agency investigation between Feb. 25 and March 6 found that 46 products of 30 businesses were being falsely advertised on the internet.

“As of now, none of these products has infection-preventive capabilities backed by science,” an agency official said. “We want people to take appropriate measures against the virus, such as washing their hands.”

Taking advantage of public fears over the contagion that has spread across Japan, companies have claimed that their health foods, air purifiers, anti-bacterial agents and other products can protect buyers from infection.

“Dandelion tea is good for preventing the coronavirus,” one advertisement said.
Another claimed: “Peptide contained in natto destroys the membrane of the bacteria that cause pneumonia.”

And one more ad said that “negative ions terminate the coronavirus.”

The agency noted that the characteristics of the novel coronavirus are still not clear, and tests cannot be done at private facilities.

It described the advertisements as lacking in objectivity and rationality, absent of any scientific grounds, and in possible violation of laws on mislabeling and health promotion.

The agency has asked businesses to correct these advertisements and requested website operators to check if similar products are being sold.