Consumers warned about products using prohibited health claims

Shropshire Council’s public protection officers are warning consumers tempted to buy ‘fatburning’ pills for their January diet resolutions not to be misled by illegal claims.

An Internet test purchasing survey carried out by Central England Trading Standards Authorities (CEnTSA) has revealed a worrying trend of products that are using headlining claims that are not permitted.

Seventeen products were sampled and their advertising checked, and all were found to be in breach of the requirements as the term ‘fatburner’ is not approved. Health claims on food products and supplements are strictly controlled in the EU, and all health claims must be approved and backed up by scientific evidence. Clearly, when businesses ignore these requirements it can mislead consumers as to what they can expect.  Councils around the country will now be following up on these results with the companies in question.

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for public protection, said:

“Many of these so-called ‘fatburning’ products are expensive, ranging from £20-£40 a tub, so it is important that consumers can rely on the claims that they make.  Public protection aim to ensure that consumers are not misled into buying products based on illegal claims.“

If you are aware of any products using the term ‘fatburner’ you can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0345 404 0506, who can pass the details on to the public protection service.

Further information

CEnTSA is a partnership of 14 councils across central England which is committed to ensuring effective partnership working across trading standards.

‘Fatburner’ claims are covered by the Nutrition and Health Claims (England) Regulations 2007.  A breach of these regulations can result in a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years, or to a fine, or both.