Supermarket calls for changes to health claims laws
the antioxidant properties of mangoes could help to fight cancer.
A UK court ruled yesterday that the claim that the fruit may help fight cancer contravenes the regulations which state that any labelling claiming that a food prevents, treats or cures a disease is prohibited.
However Asda, the number two supermarket chain in the UK, says the labelling was produced in good faith as a means of encouraging customers to eat more fruit and vegetables, strongly recommended by government.
"This prosecution has massive implications - any retailer wishing to promote the health virtues of fruit and vegetables risks being hauled up in front of a court," it said in a statement.
The label read: 'Mangoes are a great source of vitamin C and beta carotene which are good for healthy eyes and skin. Their antioxidant properties help to fight cancer. Try adding mango to smoothies, fruit salad or breakfast cereal.'
Asda said yesterday it will write to the UK health minister John Reid, and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Public Health, Melanie Johnson - both of whom it claims have recently made public statements regarding the links between diets rich in fruit and vegetables and the reduced risk of cancer.
The supermarket will ask for their help in clarifying the law.
But the head of trading standards at Swindon Borough Council, Robert Taylour, said: "Current government recommendations are that everyone should eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day to reduce the risks of cancer and coronary heart disease and many other chronic diseases."
"We fully support this message, however, in this instance the claim went beyond the message of prevention and suggested a treatment or cure."
European regulators are set to discuss a draft proposal for EU-wide health claims laws in coming months although the proposal has already been subject to strong attack from the food industry, holding back its progress to the former parliament.
