The National Consumer Service (Sernac) denounced the company to justice Corona Test, after detecting that it incurred a series of infractions of the Consumer Law by marketing a quick test to detect the coronavirus, including misleading advertising.
From the Sernac they indicated to BioBioChile that the decision was adopted “after conducting an investigation that included 11 companies” that market this type of product online. Ten of them are still under analysis, including one belonging to a former participant of youth programs.
Through a statement they added that they first detected, in the context of this investigation, that the company Corona Test disseminates “Misleading advertising, lack of accurate and timely information and lack of verifiable duty”.
In advertising, the company uses phrases such as “prevent coronavirus infections on your trip”, which is false, since the test does not prevent infections, which deceives consumers.
Also, this provider states that the tests are “endorsed by the Institute of Public Health (ISP)” which is rightly false, since this institution does not endorse companies or products.
The national director of Sernac, Lucas Del Villar, highlighted the seriousness of the infractions committed by this company.
“It is unacceptable that companies take advantage of the fear and anxiety of consumers caused by the coronavirus to advertise and market products that do not meet the stated purposes and only seek to profit at the expense of the people,” emphasized the authority.
After the Sernac complaint, the company Corona Test risks fines totaling 3,300 UTM, that is, near $ 166 million.
In parallel to the complaint to the court, the Sernac sent the background to the Public Ministry so that, within the framework of its powers, they investigate an eventual crime of fraud or the criminal types associated with Law No. 16,282 that applies for the period of catastrophe.
The investigation
Sernac’s research related to the commercialization of the rapid tests for the detection of the virus produced by Covid-19 includes 10 other companies, the findings of which are currently under investigation.
In case of detecting breaches of the Law, the Service will file complaints before the courts, just as it did with the provider Corona Test.
Likewise, Sernac is working together with the Epistemonikos Foundation who provide the technical basis for the testability of the promises, as well as progress is being made in establishing the elements that consumers should take into account when purchasing this type of product.
Dr. Gabriel Rada, founder and president of Epistemonikos, explained that “it is very important that institutions like Sernac incorporate the best scientific evidence in their task of protecting people, since it is the most reliable way of making decisions and ensuring the health of citizens, which is our main objective as a foundation ”.
It must be remembered that this type of test is considered a medical implement, and therefore does not require certification. As indicated by the ISP, only the certification granted by countries such as the United States, Japan, China or the European Community is considered as a reference.
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