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.

2007-03-19