TGA reveals worst advertising breaches

A kit to suck venom from a bite was among 10 cases that 'posed serious threats to the public'
Lydia Hales
Tiger snake

A venom kit that claims to suck poisons from snake bite victims has been listed as one of the worst advertising breaches investigated by the TGA during the last financial year.

The watchdog says it investigated nearly 1500 advertising complaints about alleged therapeutic goods ranging from “stem cell hair growth factors” to treat hair loss, to a bio-resonance device that could “restore proper communication between cells and organs”.   

But there were 10 “critical” cases that the TGA said posed serious threats to the public, including a product called the Sawyer Extractor Bite and Sting Kit.

The kit includes plastic cups that cover the bitten area and then attach to a suction pump.