Water dispenser supplier Purexygen claims that alkaline or filtered water can help prevent health problems such as osteoporosis, acid reflux, blood pressure and diabetes.
       SINGAPORE: Water company Purexygen has been asked to stop making misleading claims about the health benefits of alkaline or filtered water on its website and social media pages.
       Water is said to help prevent health problems such as osteoporosis, acid reflux, blood pressure and diabetes.
       The company and its directors, Mr Heng Wei Hwee and Mr Tan Tong Ming, received approval from the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) on Thursday (March 21).
       Purexygen offers consumers water dispensers, alkaline water filtration systems and maintenance packages.
       The CCCS investigation found that the company acted in bad faith between September 2021 and November 2023.
       In addition to making misleading claims about the health benefits of alkaline or filtered water, the company also claims that its filters have been tested by a testing agency.
       The company also falsely stated in a Carousell listing that its faucets and fountains were free for a limited time. This is false, as the faucets and water dispensers are already available to customers for free.
       Consumers are also misled by the terms of service contracts. They are told that the package activation and support fees paid under direct sales contracts are non-refundable.
       Customers were also not informed of their right to cancel these contracts and would have to refund any amounts paid under cancelled contracts.
       CCCS said that following the investigation, Purexygen had taken steps to change its business practices to ensure compliance with the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act.
       This includes removing false claims from sales kits, removing misleading ads on Carousell, and providing consumers with the water filters they deserve.
       It also took steps to stop misleading health claims about alkaline or filtered water.
       The Company undertakes to cease unfair practices and fully cooperate with the Consumer Association of Singapore (CASE) in resolving complaints.
       It will also develop an “internal compliance policy” to ensure its marketing materials and practices comply with the Act and provide training to staff on what constitutes unfair conduct.
       The company’s directors, Heng Swee Keat and Mr Tan, also promised that the company would not engage in unfair practices.
       ”CCCS will take action if Purexygen or its directors breach their obligations or engage in any other unfair conduct,” the agency said.
       CCCS said that as part of its ongoing monitoring of the water filtration industry, the agency reviews “the marketing practices of various water filtration system suppliers, including certifications, certifications and health claims on their websites.”
       Last March, a court ordered water filtration company Triple Lifestyle Marketing to stop making false claims that alkaline water could prevent diseases such as cancer, diabetes and chronic back pain.
       Siah Ike Kor, CEO of CCCS, said: “We remind water filtration system suppliers to carefully review their marketing materials to ensure that any claims made to consumers are clear, accurate and substantiated.
       “Suppliers should also review their business practices from time to time to ensure that such conduct does not constitute unfair practice.
       ”Under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, CCCS can seek court orders from offending suppliers who persist in unfair practices.”
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