The owner of a sports nutrition company which sold fake ‘slimming pills’ has been fined following an investigation by Hull City Council Trading Standards.
A sample of the Slimbod pills seized by Trading Standards (image credit: Hull City Trading Standards)
‘Slimbod’ pills, which it was claimed were capable of metabolising fat, were marketed and distributed across the country by Essex-based company WHS Sports Nutrition. When Hull Trading Standards had samples of the pills analysed, they were found not to contain the active ingredient choline as claimed on the packaging, and would not support weight loss.
Spencer Barron, owner of WHS Sports Nutrition, was found guilty at Beverley Magistrates Court on four counts of breaching the Nutrition and Health Claims (England) Regulations 2007 and ordered to pay around £3,000 in fines and costs.
Councillor Charles Quinn, whose portfolio includes Trading Standards at Hull City Council, 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.
“This is a great example of the more unusual areas the team can investigate. 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.”
