Muscat: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MCIIP) has issued a warning against a disturbing phenomenon that has swept social media, which is the promotion of baby milk and baby food by some online stores and promoters without obtaining the necessary approvals from the competent authorities, which poses a risk to the health and safety of this sensitive age group.
Based on this, MoCIIP has issued a notice banning online stores from marketing and promotion activities through websites and social media are advertising, marketing, or promoting baby milk and baby food under the age of 3 years, which is a violation of the Regulation for Organizing Marketing and Promotion Activities on Social Media issued under Ministerial Resolution No. 2022/619.
The Ministry stressed in the notice issued through its social media accounts that regulating the marketing of classified products for infants and young children requires obtaining the approval of the Ministry of Health, emphasizing the importance of complying with the regulations in place to protect children's health and ensure the safety of products circulating in the markets.
ُُThe Ministry has pointed out, that it is prohibited to market or promote any product or service that requires prior approvals from the competent authorities, unlicensed projects by the competent authority, or any counterfeit goods. Which can lead to be taken legal action against violators.
In this regard, the Ministry stressed the need to adhere to the regulations for organizing marketing and promotion activities on websites and social media and to comply with the conditions governing the activity. The Ministry added that it will take the necessary legal measures against anyone who violates these regulations, as part of its keenness to regulate the market and ensure the circulation of safe and healthy products for consumers.
Tips for Consumers
In light of the development and spread of many online stores, consumers should not rush to buy from unreliable sites, and make sure of the credibility of online stores before making any purchase. Consumers should read reviews and opinions of previous customers. It is also advisable to make sure that the products circulating are compliant with the standards and specifications approved in the Sultanate, especially sensitive products such as baby food.
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