TGA fines Pete Evans $79,920 for advertising breaches
Pete Evans has again been fined for promoting devices and drugs that have not been approved. Photo: AAP
Celebrity chef turned conspiracy theorist Pete Evans has again been fined for falsely promoting an array of devices and drugs as miracle cures for ailments including the coronavirus.
The former Seven Network star was on Tuesday hit with another $79,920 in fines for breaching advertising requirements.
It comes after his company was fined more than $25,000 by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in April last year after he promoted a device called a ‘BioCharger’ on a Facebook live stream, claiming it could be used to cure the coronavirus.
Evans was at the time warned about his promotion of other products, but was on Tuesday fined again for spruiking the BioCharger and several other treatments that are not included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.
We’ve issued Peter Evans Chef Pty Ltd six infringement notices totalling $79,920 for alleged unlawful advertising. Read more: https://t.co/9ASRyulBE9 pic.twitter.com/TJzSIUFECC
— TGA Australia (@TGAgovau) May 25, 2021
He unlawfully advertised two oral medicines, static magnet products and hyperbaric chambers for oxygen therapy, which involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurised environment.
In some cases, Evans implied the products he was advertising were endorsed by health professionals. He has been ordered to remove the posts, and to stop advertising unapproved products and therapies.
The former reality TV star has also been permanently booted off Facebook and Instagram for sharing misinformation and conspiracy theories.
He has repeatedly made posts opposing COVID-19 vaccines and masks, and claimed in a podcast that the coronavirus is a hoax.
Evans was a judge on My Kitchen Rules between 2010 and 2020, and had over one million Facebook followers.
-AAP