Watchdog calls out celebrity chef Donal Skehan for failing to flag paid social media posts

The CCPC issued a compliance notice to chef Skehan on July 28 after reviewing his Instagram account. Officials identified three posts promoting Wind Shore Goods products and running events that failed to clearly disclose paid promotions. The formal notice required retrospective updates to older content where appropriate and directed that all future promotions, including his "own brand" products and services, be clearly labelled as paid promotions. The CCPC warned it will further inspect his social channels to ensure compliance and noted the notification is open to appeal. The ASA has agreed to share data with the CCPC to report suspected influencer breaches.

Warning issued after Consumer Protection Commission reviewed his Instagram account The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) issued a compliance notice to the chef on July 28, They highlighted three posts where Skehan promoted goods or events marketed by Wind Shore Goods - which sells such products as olive oil and crockery, as well a running events. Officials said the posts contravened rules aimed at making it explicit when posts are paid promotions, including clear and appropriate disclosure labels

The formal notification included instructions to retrospectively update ­older content where appropriate, and also directed him to ensure that in all futures instances he would make it clear when a promotion is a paid promotion, including his "own brand" products and services. The notice warns that Skehan's social media channels will be the subject of further inspection by the CCPC to ensure adherence to the directions. The notification is open to appeal.

Meanwhile, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has signed a new deal with consumer protection regulators to clamp down on social media influencers producing false or misleading content. The new data-sharing agreement with the Advertising Standards Authority came into effect last week. This agreement will allow for the ASA to share information where it suspects a possible breach to the CCPC.

Read at Irish Independent