ASA to investigate Beechams flu TV ads

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is investigating complaints that television ads for Beechams flu remedies denigrate other cultures and mock traditional folk remedies.

The ads, created by Grey London, show people using traditional remedies, such as being dunked in ice, in mock black-and-white footage. The ASA says it has received 15 complaints about the TV ads so far, but has not received any for the poster campaign.

– The ASA is also investigating 40 complaints about a direct mail campaign for Esporta health clubs, which features images of people with unhealthy lifestyles and the message “We’ve been watching you”.

– Meanwhile, the ASA has banned a Saatchi & Saatchi poster for T-Mobile because it appears to show a woman using a mobile phone while driving. The authority ruled that it could be inferred the driver was using a communications device while driving, which is illegal, and described the image as “irresponsible”.