Trading standards investigation uncovers fake ‘slimming pills’
Sham “slimming pills” have been discovered by Hull City Council’s Trading Standards officers.
Found at a national retailer in the city, “Slimbod” claimed to be a “fat metaboliser”.
However, when the pills were tested it was discovered they did not contain the active ingredient, choline, as claimed on the packaging and would not support weight loss.
The fake pills were marketed and distributed across the country by an Essex-based retailer, known as WHS Sports Nutrition.
The team in Hull began an investigation following local informal sampling of food supplement products, after concerns were highlighted by the Food Standards Agency.
Further samples were taken and tested, and the results confirmed there was no choline present in the “Slimbod” product.
The owner of WHS Sports Nutrition, Spencer Barron, pleaded not guilty at Beverley Magistrates Court to offences relating to the unapproved health claims made.
Barron used a due diligence defence, where a trader says they took all reasonable steps to avoid committing an offence.
However, he was found guilty on all four counts of breaching the Nutrition and Health Claims (England) Regulations 2007 and ordered to pay around £3,000 in fines and costs.
The Trading Standards team worked with Hull City Council’s own Legal Services team, as well as counsel from Crown Chambers to bring the successful prosecution.
Councillor Charles Quinn, whose portfolio includes Trading Standards, said: “This case once again highlights the scope and significance of the work the Trading Standards team does.
“They are dedicated to making sure products are safe, and are what they claim to be. In this case, these so-called slimming pills were a con, and a waste of money.
“The impact in this instance is national as well as local, with these pills removed from sale entirely by the national retailer.
“It’s also an important reminder to traders that selling, distributing and marketing fake goods can have serious financial consequences and business impacts.”
