Purexygen ordered to remove misleading claims by SG competition watchdog

Water dispenser company Purexygen has been ordered to remove misleading claims made about the health benefits of alkaline or filtered water on its website and social media pages by the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS).

Purexygen claimed that alkaline or filtered water can help prevent health conditions such as osteoporosis, acid reflux, blood pressure conditions and diabetes, said a statement by CCCS.

Don't miss: PUB calls out Sterra for 'misleading' water purifier ad

CCCS commenced an investigation under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act 2003 (CPFTA) following unfair practices engaged by Purexygen between September 2021 to November 2023.

Purexugen was also accused of making false claims that its water filters were tested by testing bodies in the sales kit used by its salespersons in their sales pitches to consumers.

Additionally, the company was accused of misrepresenting the terms and conditions of service agreements stating that its contracts were non-refundable while neglecting to inform consumers that they have a right to cancel direct sales contracts under the Consumer Protection (fair trading) (cancellation of contracts) Regulations 2009.

Purexygen also gave false excuses for its persistent delays in providing purchased water filters to its customers, said CCCS.

Following CCCS’s investigation, Purexygen has removed false claims from its sales kit, misleading promotion listings on Carousell, misleading health benefit claims and will provide "outstanding sets of water filters to consumers".

Its directors, Heng Wei Hwee and Tan Tong Ming, have similarly given undertakings that Purexygen will not engage in the identified unfair practices mentioned and have been issued warnings.

“Suppliers in the water filtration system industry are reminded to review their marketing materials to ensure that any claims made to consumers are clear, accurate and substantiated,” said CCCS’s chief executive, Sia Aik Kor.

“Suppliers should also review their business practices from time to time to ensure that such practices do not amount to unfair practices. Under the CPFTA, CCCS can seek court orders against errant suppliers who persist in unfair practices,” she added.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out for more information. 

As Singapore clamps down on misleading advertisements, national water agency PUB recently issued a statement calling local water and air purifier brand Sterra's recent Facebook ad on the quality of Singapore's tap water "misleading".

In the ad, Sterra claimed that there is bacteria and algae in our local tap water in order to promote one of its water purifiers. The video showed a glass being filled with water from a tap and then a sample of the water being placed under a microscope. Under the microscope, microorganisms could be seen.

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