Improvement in Content Labeling and Advertising Needed for Some Glutathione Food Products

-Correction recommended for false advertising of 59 products, such as misleading advertising of products as health functional foods-

With the inner beauty market* growing rapidly, consumer interest is increasing for food products made with the antioxidant glutathione** as a principal ingredient and advertised for skin brightening and anti-aging effects.

In line with this trend, Korea Consumer Agency conducted a survey on the safety of 20 glutathione food products and the status of labeling and advertising of such products. The result of the survey showed that while all 20 of the products did not have any problems in terms of heavy metal content, degree of disintegration, etc.*, it was found that the glutathione content of some products was labeled or advertised as higher than the actual content, or the products were advertised as if they were health functional food products, thus requiring improvement.