Recalled Dr Libby book still selling
A Dr Libby book recalled over its use of the term ‘‘mongolism" is still being sold in Whitcoulls stores around the country.
Dr Libby Weaver recalled 20,000 copies of her new book over its use of the term and issued a public apology.
The books were recalled at the start of November when the nutritional biochemist said she was mortified to learn that the term was considered offensive, when alerted by the mother of a child with Down syndrome.
However, Whitcoulls has made the decision to keep the books on its shelves until the revised edition is available, Dr Libby general manager Madeline Westbrook said.
There are more than 50 Whitcoulls shops throughout the country.
Its book manager Joan Mackenzie confirmed that they were still selling the earlier editions as they had not received replacement copies.
‘‘The publisher put out the recall notice but there is no replacement stock, so we are waiting for them to replace the book and get it through to us.’’
Westbrook said they had been working with their printers to produce a revised edition.
‘‘We signed off the proofs last week, printing is currently under way and we hope to have the revised edition available in early December.’’
She said most retailers removed the book from shelves when they received the recall notice but Whitcoulls made the decision to keep selling it.
‘‘This decision is independent of us and it is within their commercial rights to do so as ownership of these books resides with Whitcoulls.’’
In her apology, Weaver said she had no idea the word ‘‘mongolism’’ was a derogatory term.
‘‘I am absolutely mortified at the distress I have caused children with Down syndrome and their families.’’
Mongolism is an outdated term for Down syndrome and is widely considered offensive. Debate around its use began in the international medical community in the 1960s.
Research suggesting a link between folate consumption and a reduced risk of Down syndrome is ‘‘mixed’’, said Weaver, who will remove the reference to it from the next edition of her book.
Anyone who had already bought a copy of What Am I Supposed to Eat? could return it for a refund, Weaver said.
Weaver is an Australian nutritional biochemist, author, speaker and founder of the supplement range Bio Blends.