Official: False food endorsement may leave stars bankrupt

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-03-17 14:09

Celebrities who endorse false food advertisements could end up losing all their riches if any potential law suits arose, according to an official who participated in drafting the Food Safety Law.

China’s newly approved Food Safety Law clearly states that celebrities are partially liable for dangerous food products they advertise, said Li Yuan, director of the Administrative Law of Legislative Affairs Commission of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.

Therefore, consumers who buy substandard products can sue either producers, organizations or individuals who help promote the brands, and ask for partial or complete compensation, said Li.

As a result, a celebrity may lose some or all of his/her fortune if he/she lost the lawsuit, he said.

The Food Safety Law, which was approved by the State Cabinet on February 28, will be implemented on June 1, 2009.