Thermomix fined for false and misleading claims about cult kitchen item and NDIS

The manufacturer of cult kitchen appliance Thermomix has been slapped with a hefty fine for making misleading claims.

Australia’s consumer watchdog issued four infringements to Vorwerk Australia after it allegedly falsely suggested two of its appliances were endorsed by the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

The company has since paid $79,200 in penalties.

The ACCC move comes as part of its crackdown on problematic advertising practices targeting NDIS participants.

It alleges that in November 2024 and March 2025, Thermomix made “false or misleading representations on its website promoting the Thermomix TM6 cooking product and Kobold cordless vacuum and mop as being endorsed through the NDIS or registered by an entity administering the NDIS”.

This included allegedly describing the products as “NDIS approved”, “NDIS-registered product”, “NDIS-consumables”, “NDIS assistive technology”, and “NDIS equipment”.

Last week bedding retailer Bedshed was forced to pay $39,600 in penalties after it too was busted for allegedly making false or misleading representations to consumers via ads that suggested some of its products had been evaluated or approved by the NDIS.

The ACCC alleged Bedshed advertised on its website and Google Ads that some of its mattresses, furniture and bedding accessories were ‘NDIS approved’ and ‘NDIS permitted’.

“The NDIS does not provide specific approval for any particular goods or services. Each NDIS participant has unique needs, and what’s funded under their plan is determined individually, not through a list of approved products. There are no categories of goods or services which are automatically NDIS approved or funded for all NDIS participants,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said in a written statement.

“Misleading consumers experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage is of concern to us, and we will not hesitate to take appropriate action.”