Celebrity chef and proponent of overpriced light machines Pete Evans has copped a $25,000 for claiming his “BioCharger” device could treat the coronavirus and hoo boy, you really hate to see it.
Roughly two weeks ago, our Petey Boy made headlines after purporting a frankly bullshit claim that this $15,000 BioCharger could prevent or cure the coronavirus that’s currently wreaking havoc on the whole world. To put it simply, this device will do precisely fuck all to prevent or cure the coronavirus, and will likely result in your friends thinking you’ve lost the plot.
Naturally, the Therapeutic Goods Administration takes unfounded claims like this pretty seriously, so they swiftly investigated Evans’ claims and later found enough evidence to issue him with a sharp $25,200 fine.
Ouch, do you have an overpriced light machine for that burn?
“Mr Evans allegedly live-streamed on his Facebook page, which has more than 1.4 million followers, claims that the device could be used in relation to ‘Wuhan coronavirus’ – claim which has no apparent foundation, and which the TGA takes extremely seriously,” the Therapeutic Goods Administration said in a statement on Friday afternoon.
The news comes after Victoria’s own Chief Health Officer threw shade at the controversial chef on Twitter.
For only $14,990 less than Pete Evans’ harmonic subtle energy machine, you too can be protected from #COVID-19. Just #StayHomeSaveLives
— Chief Health Officer, Victoria (@VictorianCHO) April 12, 2020
The BioCharger NG device, which was being sold through Pete’s website store, retails for a sharp $14,990. However, Evans was offering his followers a $500 discount.
“The BioCharger NG is a hybrid subtle energy revitalisation platform. Four transmitted energies stimulate and invigorate the entire body to optimise and improve potential health, wellness, and athletic performance. The BioCharger NG is completely non-invasive, and has proven to restore strength, stamina, coordination and mental clarity,” the description on Pete Evans’ website read.
Evans’ company – Peter Evans Chef Pty Ltd – was slapped with an infringement notice for his claims in a livestreamed video, in addition to a secondary notice for advertising breaches on his website. All-in-all, Evans’ fines totalled a whopping $25,200.
