Latest news with #ASA
Medscape
15 hours ago
- Health
- Medscape
New AHA/ASA Policy Statement Urges Stroke Rehab Overhaul
A new policy statement from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) warns that stroke survivors across the US face steep barriers to rehabilitation, including insurance denials, geographic 'care deserts,' and high out-of-pocket costs. The statement urges policy and performance measure reforms to ensure survivors receive the intensive therapy proven to restore independence. It was published online on July 31 in Stroke. Lifeline of Hope Stroke rehabilitation is the 'lifeline of hope' for survivors, their caregivers, and their communities in the days, months, and years after stroke, said the writing group. Clinical guidelines from the AHA/ASA recommend that discharge planning and rehabilitation decisions be based on a stroke survivor's functional needs, group chair Nneka Ifejika, MD, MPH, chief scientific officer at Ochsner Health System in New Orleans, noted in a news release. 'However, research shows that nonclinical factors including the size and scope of a hospital network, a patient's insurance status, and rehabilitation provider availability during the acute stroke hospitalization can limit access to appropriate care, resulting in poorer outcomes and higher long-term costs,' Ifejika said. The writing group called for enacting measures to ensure full transparency in payer databases on the rehabilitation services patients with stroke receive and their outcomes, as well as the rate of denials for postacute stroke care. A recent Senate investigation found that a major Medicare Advantage company used artificial intelligence algorithms to deny nearly 1 in 4 requests for postacute stroke care requests in 2022 — double the denial rate just 2 years earlier, the group pointed out. The writing group also called for: Advancing research that reflects real-world stroke recovery challenges by prioritizing patient-centered studies and addressing caregiving needs, mental health, and long-term outcomes such as quality of life, return to work, and community reintegration. Developing a national data infrastructure to track rehabilitation service utilization, costs (direct and indirect), and patient outcomes across diverse populations and care settings. Evaluating and comparing rehabilitation models for their clinical effectiveness and cost-efficiency to determine what works best for stroke survivors. for their clinical effectiveness and cost-efficiency to determine what works best for stroke survivors. Enhancing care coordination and discharge planning by expanding staff training and addressing the unique needs of patients and their caregivers from varied social and economic backgrounds. by expanding staff training and addressing the unique needs of patients and their caregivers from varied social and economic backgrounds. Studying the impact of systemic factors — such as insurance coverage, geography, health systems, and payment models — on rehabilitation quality and patient recovery to inform improvements in care delivery. 'The quality of one's recovery from stroke should not depend on their ZIP code, insurance status, or the cultural competency of their healthcare providers when describing the importance of postacute care,' Ifejika said in the release. 'Every stroke survivor should be evaluated to receive high-quality, patient-centered rehabilitation and should have equitable access if postacute care is needed,' Ifejika added. 'Timely and Important' Reached for comment, Joseph Broderick, MD, stroke expert and neurologist at the University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, told Medscape Medical News this is a 'very important and timely statement.' He noted that the problem of postacute care is not at the acute care hospitals, where acute care is standardized, measured, and recognized by certification programs and Get With The Guidelines measurements of key acute care metrics. 'The problem comes when the recommendation for inpatient rehab or skilled nursing facility is made to the insurance carrier and managed governmental programs. There is an incentive to not approve inpatient rehab and particularly long-term acute care — even when the patient meets the criteria,' Broderick said. Another problem is that insurers that approve where patients are going for postacute care are not open for decision-making and interactions on the weekend. 'So a key part of the health system for determining postacute care is not only delaying disposition but doesn't function 2 days a week,' he noted. 'It would be like pilots in the airline industry not available to fly on the weekends and passengers piling up at the airport and surrounding hotels until Monday, when the pilots came back online and take them to their next destination,' Broderick said. He noted that cardiac rehab is 'universally much clearer and better financially reimbursed than stroke rehab. But it is also much more straightforward than stroke postacute care.' 'Private and government insurers and the postacute facilities need to develop a better system, which is patient-centered rather than money- and profit-driven, standardized with patient and caregiver valued metrics of institutional performance, and a strong push for research to determine how type and intensity of various therapies improve outcome,' Broderick told Medscape Medical News . 'Our stroke patients need us all to do better after they leave the acute care hospital,' he said.
First Post
a day ago
- Health
- First Post
UK: Zara Adverts Banned For Featuring 'Unhealthily Thin' Models Firstpost America
UK: Zara Adverts Banned For Featuring 'Unhealthily Thin' Models | Firstpost America | N18G Two Zara ads have been banned in the UK for featuring models who looked 'unhealthily thin'. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said one model looked 'gaunt' because of shadows and her hairstyle. Another model's shirt revealed sticking-out collarbones. The ASA said both ads were 'irresponsible' and must not appear again. They also told Zara to be more careful with future images. Zara removed the pictures. However, the Spanish fast-fashion retailer said both models were healthy with proper medical certificates. The banned ads were seen on Zara's app and website. The ASA earlier banned a Marks & Spencer ad for showing an 'unhealthily thin' model. In February, an ad by clothing brand Next was banned in the UK. Again, the ASA found the model 'unhealthily thin'. See More
Euronews
3 days ago
- Euronews
Portugal by motorhome: Freedom and nature with an Atlantic flair
Some 18 per cent of the nearly three million motorhome owners in Europe will travel to Portugal this summer, according to Camping-Car Park, the European network of Motorhome Service Areas (ASA). The country, with 13,000 registered motorhomes, is attracting more and more European tourists who want to travel in this way. They spend an average of €52 per night. They are mainly Spaniards, French, Italians and Germans who spend at least three weeks touring the country from June to September. We spent 20 days travelling around Portugal in a motorhome, starting in Lisbon and then along the southwest coast, including the Costa Caparica and Costa Vicentina, and the Algarve, in the south of the country, to show you what it's like. The starting point in Lisbon After more than six hours of travel from Madrid, we arrive in Lisbon to start the route. The entrance to the city is quite chaotic, with a lot of traffic and little patience on the part of the drivers. If driving a motorhome in big cities is already complicated, here it seems like mission impossible. Parking relatively close to the centre and safely is also an odyssey. In the park4night parking app, an app that every self-respecting motorhomer has, there are many points, but few of them are convincing. In the end, we settle on a pay-and-display site near the imposing and noisy two-kilometre-long 25 de Abril Bridge, an icon of the city that rises above the Tagus River estuary under the watchful eye of Cristo Rei, the 28-metre-high (110 with the 82-metre-high pedestal) statue of the Redeemer with open arms. The best way to see the surrounding area is by bike: the Monument to the Discoveries, the Belém Tower (under construction), the Jerónimos Monastery, the historic quarter and the Belem Bakery where you can taste those warm cream pancakes with a little sugar and cinnamon powder. The centre of Lisbon is also easy to reach by metro or train. It is an open and welcoming city and a melting pot of cultures. Even more so in summer, and the sweltering heat doesn't stop you from enjoying the place. Many people take a dip in the river to soak up the heat. There is plenty to see and visit. The panoramic view of the city from St. George's Castle is spectacular and strolling through the old town is a delight. You'll be carried away by the culture and music of Chiado, the most bohemian district with the historic Café a Brasileira, which houses the statue of Fernando Pessoa on its terrace. It is intoxicating. Its squares, such as Praça do Comercio, the old main port for maritime trade with beautiful views of the Tagus, its cathedral or viewpoints such as Graça or San Pedro de Alcántara are also well worth a visit. A must-see for most of the almost 19 million tourists who visit the city every year is Tram 28, which crosses several neighbourhoods, winding its way through narrow streets and slopes, or the Elevador de Santa Justa, which connects Baixa with the upper district. Costa Caparica, Lisbon's beach Back on the road again, the idea is to travel along the entire southwest coast of Portugal, starting on the Costa Caparica, 20 minutes from the capital, south of the Tagus estuary. There are 15 kilometres of golden sandy beaches and cool Atlantic waters, where you can see families, surfers, naturists, locals and foreign tourists. Praia de São João or Praia Nova are Lisbon's beaches par excellence, with beach bars, live music and sunset terraces. The further south you go, the more natural and wild it is, as you reach some very large and beautiful stretches of sand. After a couple of days, the next stop is Setúbal, 50 kilometres from Lisbon. It is surrounded by the Arrábida Natural Park, a protected area with the most spectacular coastline in the country. Throughout this area, motorhomes are not allowed to stay on the coastline, although during the day, you can park your campervan and enjoy the breathtaking views. This will become a common theme throughout the entire trip along the coast of Vicenza. One of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, Praia de Galapinhos, with its natural beauty and turquoise waters, is located in this area. The Setúbal region is ideal for itinerant travellers as it combines sea, mountains and authenticity, although parking can be a bit tricky. From Setubal, you can reach the Troia peninsula by ferry, a stretch of fine white sand, clean, calm waters and plenty of wind. This is a good starting point to begin the route along the Alentejo or Vicentina coast, as it is connected to Comporta, our next stop. This is a popular holiday destination for artists, designers and international celebrities. Not to be confused with Sines, 55 kilometres further down the coast, an industrial town known for being the birthplace of the explorer Vasco da Gama, the navigator who discovered the sea route to India. Its medieval castle and adjoining museum tell the story of this key figure in the Age of Discovery. Wild nature and small villages From Sines, the landscape changes completely, with rugged cliffs, wild beaches and picturesque villages. The first one that grabs you is Porto Covo, a small village of white houses with blue stripes and a quiet atmosphere. It has a strong local flavour, ideal for disconnecting from the urban rhythm. Its great jewels are its coves nestled between cliffs. Praia da Samoqueira is the most impressive, with rock formations, cliffs and hidden corners. This is a very popular spot with travellers on the road and is ideal for enjoying the sea and the breathtaking scenery. The larger Praia Grande is also worth a visit. Off the coast you can visit Ilha do Pessegueiro, a historic island with an ancient fortress, by boat. With the sense that it might surpass everything we've seen so far, we reach Praia do Malhão, between Porto Covo and Vila Nova de Milfontes in the municipality of Odemira. Framed by natural dunes, the landscape is unspoilt and breathtaking, with the constant sound of the waves and the ocean wind. This is a surfer's paradise. It's like a forgotten corner of the world. Although the sight of two mounted gendarmes reminding visitors not to park near the beach quickly brings you back to reality. After so much wilderness, Vila Nova de Milfontes presents itself as a more touristy spot. It is a popular destination for the Portuguese who enjoy its quiet river beaches, such as Praia da Franquia, ideal for families, water sports and safe bathing. From wild cliffs to crowded shores After some relaxation, it's time for more excitement at Cabo Sardão, where dramatic cliffs towering 40 to 50 metres high evoke scenes straight out of The Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones. This is an essential stop on the Vicentine coast where you can see white storks, peregrine falcons, sea deer and other remarkable wildlife. Another unmissable stop is Zambujeira do Mar, a fishing village that has retained its authentic charm. Its small white houses with blue accents, a traditional cliffside port, and inviting restaurants serving fresh fish all add to its appeal. The town's wide urban beach offers sweeping views of the Atlantic. Continuing our descent through southwest Portugal, we come across Praia de Odeceixe, one of the most unique beaches in the country, right on the border with the Algarve. It is situated at the mouth of the Seixe River, which separates the Alentejo from the Algarve. Here, the meeting of river and sea creates a striking horseshoe-shaped sandbar. One side is washed by ocean waves, the other by calm river waters. At their junction, a playful current forms, delighting children and adults alike as they float downstream. All around, green cliffs rise high above, offering breathtaking views of the place where river and sea become one. In the western Algarve, in the municipality of Aljezur, we spend a morning at Praia de Monte Clérigo, a very accessible beach at the foot of a small collection of white and pink houses with a seaside feel. In the afternoon, another of the jewels of the Algarve and the Vincentian coast, the beach of Carrapateira or Praia da Bordeira. More than three kilometres long, it is one of the largest beaches in the Algarve and a favourite destination for surfers due to its constant waves. In fact, the shore warns that it is dangerous for bathers. Before reaching the beach, there is a lagoon of calm water where children play. Behind the sandy area, there are large natural dunes where hundreds of seagulls flutter about. In this area, there is an abundance of motorhomes and the car parks must be booked in advance otherwise you won't be able to find a parking space. "All over the Algarve, there are problems when it comes to parking and spending the night because of the large number of people," a motorhome camper from Seville warned me, saying that this year, there are more restrictions on spending the night than in the past. We will witness the tourist overcrowding that, at this time of year, always occurs in the Algarve and we will see that the natural and wild scenery, with spacious and uncrowded beaches of the Vicentine coast, has been left behind to give way to mass tourism. The end of the world Cape St. Vincent, one of the most emblematic places in the south of Portugal, is just as touristy. This is one of the most westerly points of continental Europe, considered for centuries as "the end of the world". It boasts imposing cliffs over 60 metres high, panoramic views of the open sea and one of the most beautiful sunsets in Europe. Here, the wind blows strongly while dozens of tourists immortalise the moment. Very close to Cabo de San Vicente is one of the best beaches in this area, Praia do Beliche. It is a secluded and steep cove, protected by high cliffs that give it a warmer microclimate. It is a picture postcard beach. It is accessible via stairs carved into the rock that are easy to descend but costly to climb. Right in the rocks is a wooden beach bar with grilled sardines and grilled chicken. Mass tourism on the Algarve Continuing our route through the Algarve, we reach Lagos, a town popular with tourists from all over Europe. A visit to Ponta da Piedade, a rock formation famous for its cliffs, grottoes and turquoise waters, is a must. It is one of the most photogenic coastal landscapes in Europe. It is, of course, also crowded with tourists seeking shade among the rocks of the crowded cove, whose waters are full of seaweed on our visit. Next stop is Portimão, one of the Algarve's largest towns with a harbour ideal for boat trips along the southern coast. We embark on one to visit the caves and grottoes on a two-hour tour that passes through Algar (Carvoeiro), Praia da Marina, Praia do Carvalho and on to the famous Benagil cave. A skylight here allows sunlight to enter, creating a magical effect inside, illuminating the golden sand and orange walls. After the visit, a well-deserved swim in the sea just in front, with a dip from the boa,t is our reward. On the way back, the lively Praia da Rocha awaits us. After 45 minutes, we reach Albufeira, the mecca of tourism in this area. Tranquillity and calm give way to hustle and bustle and mass tourism. The English have mostly taken over this town, which has beautiful beaches, including the urban Praia do Túnel, which is accessed from the old town through a tunnel carved into the rock. After the storm comes calm in the form of Faro, the Algarve's quieter, more relaxed capital, with an old town centre surrounded by Moorish and Roman walls. The town is adjacent to the Parque Natural da Rea Formosa, one of Europe's most important wetland areas with islets, marshes and canals to explore. Tavira: The unknown jewel of the Algarve In the last two days, we discovered a real gem of the Algarve: Tavira. Not as renowned as other towns, the town is perfect for a relaxing stop on our road trip. It is historic and elegant with a strong Roman, Islamic and Christian past. Its white houses with gabled roofs, cobbled streets and squares with orange trees give it a very unique air. One of its most iconic landmarks is the Roman Bridge, a stone footbridge that crosses the river Gilão. The castle and the more than 20 churches scattered throughout the city are also outstanding. Its beaches are paradisiacal and not overcrowded. A particularly enjoyable activity is taking the tourist train to Praia do Barril. The eight-minute ride, with thousands of crabs waving as they pass through the marshes, is a pleasure for the senses. As soon as we reach the beach on the left-hand side, the anchor cemetery, with more than 200 old anchors, reminds us that this is a beach with history. They serve as a reminder of the beach's storied past: from 1841 to 1966, this was an active hub for tuna fishing. When the fishing operations were dismantled, many sailors left their anchors behind, and the train that once transported goods was repurposed for tourists. The other must-visit beach, Ilha de Tavira, is accessible only by ferry from the city. It's a true island escape, with miles of white sand and a peaceful atmosphere that rarely feels crowded. Tavira is, without a doubt, the ideal place to get to know the most authentic Algarve. After 20 days on the road, we found that the southwest and south of Portugal are perfect for those seeking to combine freedom and nature, especially on the Vincentian coast and the coastal Alentejo. The wild landscape and tranquillity contrast with the hustle and bustle of the Algarve. This journey, from Lisbon down through remote, unspoiled beaches to the bustling shores of the Algarve, captures the full range of Portugal's coastal character. It's the perfect road trip for those looking to combine raw natural beauty with the mobility and spontaneity of life on the road.
The Journal
3 days ago
- The Journal
Complaints upheld against influencer over incorrect ad disclosures and possible use of filters
THE ADVERTISING WATCHDOG has upheld several complaints against influencer Julie Haynes, including one that she used a filter while applying a skincare product. The Advertising Standards Authority's (ASA) today released its latest complaints bulletin , and nine were upheld against Haynes, whose Instagram account handle is twins_and_me_. Eight complaints were lodged against various Instagram stories featuring BPerfect Cosmetics which were posted to the influencer's account. Most of these stories featured discount codes. The complainants considered that Haynes was using a filter while applying BPerfect products and that the filter impacted on how the product appeared on the skin, resulting in it being misleading. Hayne's did not issue a response to the ASA but her agency stated that no filters had been used. The ASA expressed concern at Hayne's failure to respond to the complaints and said advertisers should be able to provide evidence to substantiate all claims that consumers are likely to regard as objective. It noted that evidence had not been received to demonstrate that a filter had not been used and that in the absence of such evidence, the content was in breach of the advertising code. The complainants also said an incorrect commercial disclosure had been used in the Instagram stories and that in some cases, the size, location and colour of the font used meant that either the disclosure was partially or fully obscured. Such labelling, including #ad or #gifted, is meant to be instantly recognisable, clear and prominent. The complainants said that as a result, it was not clear that the stories were featuring commercial content. Haynes did not respond and her agency said that they were Hayne's Talent Manager only and that all content goes through brand approval prior to posting. Advertisement The agency said that the videos had been marked as AD in line with standard disclosure practices. The ASA however found that the disclosure didn't feature the # as required, nor was it the first word in any text block, which is also a requirement. The Instagram stories also had the letters 'ba' before or after 'ad' in some content, which is not an approved disclosure. The ASA also noted that in some cases, the font colour, size and placement of the disclosure minimised its visibility or fully obscured it. In the absence of a response from Haynes, the ASA deemed that the advertising was likely to mislead consumers about the nature of the content. The ASA ruled that the advertising should not reappear in that manner and reminded all parties to ensure that commercial content was disclosed correctly. Haynes also found herself the subject of a complaint regarding a product by Estrid Studios AB which also featured on her Instagram stories. They said it was not immediately obvious that they were advertisements, taking account of the size and position of the disclosures. The disclosures were also incorrect, as #AD did not come first in a block of text. In the Instagram stories, '@heyestrid ad' appeared in the top right hand corner, when this should have been the other way round. Haynes made no response to this complaint either. The ASA again stressed that there is a 'onus on influencers to ensure that their advertising is in conformity with the Code'. The ASA added that the font colour, size, and placement of the text boxes minimised their visibility. The advertising watchdog concluded that the advert was likely to mislead consumers as to the nature of the content and was in breach of the code. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
3 days ago
- Business
- The Journal
Advertising watchdog upholds Aldi complaint against rival Lidl over 'Best Value Supermarket' claim
THE ADVERTISING WATCHDOG has sided with Aldi in a complaint it lodged against supermarket rival Lidl. The Advertising Standards Authority's (ASA) today released its latest complaints bulletin, which featured complaints which were upheld against companies including Ryanair, car maker Dacia, and Shamrock Renewable Products. The complaint against Lidl, which was lodged by Aldi, was upheld by the Council as being misleading. In its complaint, Aldi pointed to TV, social media and press adverts in which Lidl claimed to be 'Ireland's Best Value Supermarket', a claim which appeared on a rosette. The press advert also included a trolley price comparison between Lidl and three competitors. Lidl said the claim was backed up by Ireland RepTrak data Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Aldi objected on the grounds that the advertising claim 'Ireland's Best Value Supermarket' implied Lidl had been awarded this title through a competition or an independent award. Aldi added that nowhere in the advertisements had the claim been verified or substantiated. Lidl said the claim was backed up by Ireland RepTrak data from last year – it's an annual study based on the perceptions of over 5,000 members of the public. Lidl said the 2024 report confirmed the ranking of retailers in respect to 'offers products and services that are a good value for money'. Lidl added that it had amended the campaign to include the appropriate Ireland RepTrak 2024 data at the bottom. After an internal review of the campaign, Lidl said it was satisfied that the statements contained in the campaign adhered to the 'spirit' of the ASA guidelines. Lidl added that it had no doubt that the Ireland RepTrak findings 'fully and adequately substantiated the claims of the campaign that Lidl was Ireland's best value retailer'. The ASA upheld the complaint and ruled that it should not appear again in that format. The Council said that the claim to be the best value would require detailed price comparisons across all competitors, which had not been submitted to the ASA. The Council also noted that the claim 'Ireland's Best Value Supermarket' had appeared on a rosette, something traditionally associated with a prize. The Council deemed that a reasonable interpretation of the ad was that Lidl's claim to be 'Ireland's Best Value Supermarket' was being made on foot of an award. It therefore deemed the ad to be misleading and advised Lidl to ensure that appropriate substantiation was to hand for claims made. Ryanair's ad was deemed to 'create a pressure to purchase' Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo In the case of Ryanair , the ASA deemed that a promotion which claimed 'prices will rise' was misleading after prices actually dropped in the following month. The complaint was lodged against a promotional banner on Ryanair's website which advertised the airline's 'Big Summer Sale'. The sale included flights from €29.99 and consumers were told to 'book now' to travel between April and October, subject to terms and conditions. To the right of these details, it said in a red circle 'Prices Will Rise'. However, a complainant said they considered the 'definitive' statement that 'Prices Will Rise' was misleading because some prices actually dropped after they had availed of the summer sale prices. They said a flight they had purchased had a lower price the following month. In response, Ryanair said the terms and conditions of the promotion stated that the offer was subject to availability and that the lowest fares were limited and sold out quickly. Ryanair added that the fares required adjustment based on sales and customer demand due to dynamic pricing and that such adjustments did not guarantee availability of low fare seats. The airline also said these adjustments did not guarantee that current fares would be comparable to future fares and claimed that that promotion was accurate. Advertisement Ryanair provided evidence to the ASA that, at the time for their response, the flight purchased by the complainant was on sale for a higher price than that offered during the promotional period. However, the ASA's Complaints Council upheld the complaint and ruled that the promotion must not reappear in the same form. The ASA noted that the promotion said 'Prices Will Rise' but did not offer qualification as to when. The ASA added: 'In the context of an advertising claim that 'Prices Will Rise', the Council considered it was reasonable for a consumer to presume that after the sale price promotion the price would increase rather than decrease.' A spokesperson added that consumers would have 'reasonably understood that prices would not fluctuate upwards during the promotional period unless they had additional clarifying information'. The Council added that the promotion 'created a pressure to purchase and a customer would likely have purchased a flight as soon as possible based on this information'. Meanwhile, a complaint was upheld against car manufacturer Dacia , which was deemed to depict dangerous driving and unsafe practices. File image of the Dacia Sandero Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo The TV ad for a Dacia Sandero featured people using the car in various day-to-day settings, such as putting gifts or their dogs in the back of the car. These scenes were intercut with scenes of the car being driven, including the car going around corners. There is also a scene in which one car passes another at an intersection and another in which the car appeared to have been spinning. The complainant said the advertisement depicted careless driving, such as cars taking corners at speed. The complainant added that the drivers in the ad appeared in some cases to be distracted, such as singing loudly, and therefore not exercising due care and attention. They believed this to be inappropriate in the context of recent deaths on Irish roads. Dacia said in response that the ad had been approved in both France and the UK and that the ASA should therefore not find issue with it. The ASA upheld the complaint and said it had depicted dangerous driving and unsafe practices. While the Council found no issue with the driver who was singing loudly in the ad, it did take issue with a scene in which the car appeared to spin at speed, as 'this could be imitable action'. It also took issue with scenes of the cars 'taking corners tightly and at speed'. The ASA added that other scenes shown from the driver's point of view depicted two shots where no hands were visible on the steering wheel. Elsewhere, Willow Warm , a brand owned by Shamrock Renewable Products, had a complaint upheld against it but no action was required as the advertising had been amended. The radio ad said its long-burning briquettes were 'good for the environment' and '100% carbon neutral'. Three complaints were received, with two objecting to the claim that the burning of any solid fuel could be deemed as 'good for the environment'. Another took issue with the claim that it was carbon neutral and while the complainant said the product may be sustainable to a certain extent, they questioned whether it was really carbon neutral. In response, Shamrock Renewable Products said the claim to be 'good for the environment' was intended to be viewed against the alternative use of fossil fuels such as turf, peat briquettes, coal, oil or gas. It added that its wood contained little sulphur or nitrogen and as wood produced little ash, wood energy was clean. They also said that the SEAI had recommended it as an alternative to fossil fuels for large parts of the population. Regarding its carbon neutral status, Shamrock Renewable Products said its briquettes fell within international and national definitions of what defined wood as a 'carbon neutral' product. The ASA upheld the complaints and noted that environmental claims should not be used without qualification unless advertisers can provide substantiation for these claims. Both claims were later removed from the advertising and the ASA said advertisers that should ensure that evidence is to hand when highlighting the benefits of their products Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
