FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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Makers of Nurofen charged with misleading consumers in New Zealand

Makers of Nurofen charged with misleading consumers in New Zealand

Wellington - The New Zealand Commerce Commission said Monday it had charged British company Reckitt Benckiser with misleading consumers over the nature and characteristics of its painkiller Nurofen.

The action relates to four Nurofen products which contain the same ingredients but were being separately marketed under the brand names Nurofen Migraine Pain, Nurofen Tension Headache, Nurofen Period Pain and Nurofen Back Pain.

The commission said the products gave the impression that the painkillers each targeted a particular type of pain when they all contained the same ingredients and were equally effective in treating any of the types of pain specified.

The commission said Reckitt Benckiser had cooperated with its investigation and indicated it would plead guilty to the 10 charges.

In a statement Nurofen New Zealand said the range had been launched to help consumers choose a pain relief product in grocery stores, where pharmacy advice was not available.

"The packaging of all Nurofen specific-pain products in New Zealand was changed by March this year to make clear that the different products could be used to treat other forms of pain."

The charges follow similar action in Australia where Reckitt Benckiser has been fined 1.7 million Australian dollars (1.3 million US dollars) for misleading conduct in relation to the products.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is asking the courts to impose a larger fine saying the company made substantial profits from the products and should be forced to pay 6 million Australian dollars.

- DPA

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