One man's meat is another man's poison. It is true even on March
15, or World Consumer Rights Day, when vulnerable consumers are
shown greater concern than usual while treacherous businessmen
panic about the possible exposure of their crimes.
In Beijing, a TV gala held by China Central Television on World
Consumer Rights Day captured much attention, giving high priority
to seven incidents involving mobile phones, health and nutritional
products, as well as weight loss products of dubious quality.
Of the seven incidents, a magic diet tea advertised by famous
crosstalk star Guo Degang became the focus of attention. In the
commercial, Guo Degang said he had lost three kilograms since
drinking the "miraculous Tibetan tea." His slogan "no big belly
after three boxes of tea" soon earned equal fame to his own
reputation.
However, experts assert the magic tea in reality has nothing to
do with Tibetan tea. Meanwhile, the trademark in use for the
Tibetan tea has not received any official approval. What's more,
the research institute that serves as the chief support in the
making of Tibetan tea is just a one-man company registered by the
product's advertising designer.
Is the crosstalk star aware of all these facts? Guo Degang told
Beijing Youth Daily that the tea's quality had been
questioned several times since he became employed as its "image
ambassador." He claimed he drank the tea for over two months and is
not the only one who thinks positively about its role in his weight
loss. Many of his friends have also testified about its magical
powers.
Guo Degang said he heard about the TV exposé, but didn't watch
the gala. He stated he would continue a new advertising campaign
for the diet tea next week.
His plans are likely in doubt now. Just one day after World
Consumer Rights Day, it remains unclear whether the crosstalk
performer can still shoot more controversial ads. He was reportedly
being paid two million yuan, or US$260,000 for the troubled
advertisement. The Beijing Administration for Industry and Commerce
demanded the magic tea be removed from the shelves of medicine
stores throughout Beijing starting on Friday.
Regarding Guo Degang's advertisement, reputed lawyer Qiu
Baochang believes it is not stipulated in the law what
responsibility stars in commercials should bear, so relevant
regulations should be made as soon as possible. Otherwise, stars
who earn huge profits from doing commercials will remain
indifferent to the product's authenticity and quality.
Lawyer Qu Baochang said the stars' roles in the commercials are
to make advertised products widely accepted and purchased by
audiences. In that aim, they should assume responsibility to
examine the product quality and also confirm it has certificates
and documents provided by the sponsor of the commercial.
(CRI March 17, 2007)