Trading standards officers from the Council are warning gym-users to steer clear of a dangerous chemical found in some ‘fat burner’ and ‘body-building’ products.
The officers acted swiftly after national advice from the Food Standards Agency about the chemical known as DNP (2, 4-dinitrophenol).
DNP is an industrial chemical known to have serious short-term and long-term effects, which can be extremely dangerous to human health. There have been two reported deaths in the UK which are believed to be linked to the taking of a ‘fat-burner’ substance in tablet or powder form.
The Food Standards Agency has advised consumers not to take any product containing DNP at any level.
Labelling on products containing DNP may vary, but consumers should avoid any product described as containing DNP or 2, 4-Dinitrophenol. ‘Fat-burner’ capsules containing DNP appear to be marketed primarily at the bodybuilding community as a way of losing excess fat.
Councillor David Dixon (Lib Dem, Oldfield), Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Trading Standards officers have moved quickly to ensure at-risk groups are informed about this problem. That includes visiting gyms to talk to gym-owners and gym-users about identifying sources of DNP.
“If anyone who believes they may have taken DNP they should seek medical advice immediately.”
For further advice on DNP contact Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Trading Standards team on 01225 396759.
