The following is issued in response to an advertisement by a certain water treatment device company:
The Consumer Council is a statutory body charged with the responsibilities of protecting and promoting the interests of consumers.
As part of its function, the Council produces test and survey reports for the evaluation of goods and services available to consumers in the marketplace.
The Council stands by the findings of its report on the health claims of water treatment devices.
The report focuses on the claims that drinking water treated by some of these devices could bring health benefits or even curative effect on chronic serious diseases.
The Council has received many enquiries from the public doubtful of the veracity of such health claims. And it is with this very objective in mind that the report was drawn up: to address this concern and educate the public about these health claims.
The comments contained in the report were based on independent authoritative experts and organizations, both internationally and locally, which included, amongst others, the World Health Organization, the Department of Health (DH), the Water Supplies Department, and academics in the field.
The report was released to the public for the reference and consideration of individual consumers to make their choice.
The Consumer Council is also concerned over the practice by some salespersons, apparently on their own initiative, in producing and distributing "documents" or information with claims of curative effect on chronic serious diseases.
The Council considers this sales practice to be irresponsible putting the health of consumers at risk. It has referred these claims to the DH and the Customs and Excise Department to follow up if any of these health claims are in breach of the law.
As regards the accreditation which certain manufacturers of water treatment devices claimed to have received for their products, it was pointed out in the Council's report that such accreditation refers only to the aesthetic values of the products, and bears no relation to their health or curative properties.
Issued by
Consumer Council
17 July 2006
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