WATCHDOGS SEIZE TOXIC DIET CHEMS
Pesticide is being sold as weight loss pill – and may be deadly
A STASH of a potentially deadly chemical used in extreme dieting has been seized in Scotland.
Food Standards Scotland (FSS) said their food crime unit have recovered “a quantity” of powder believed to be the highly-toxic substance DNP.
DNP – 2,4-dinitrophenol – is an industrial chemical mainly used as a pesticide. It is popular with some people who want to lose weight rapidly and those with eating disorders, FSS said.
It is usually sold online in tablet or capsule form, although it is illegal to do so for human consumption. The possession of DNP for legitimate industrial purposes is allowed.
DNP is poisonous and can lead to severe health problems and even death.
Symptoms can include fever, vomiting, rapid breathing and blindness while long-term use may cause damage to the heart and nervous system.
FSS said sales of DNP have been increasing and the chemical has contributed to a “significant” number of deaths, as well as serious harm to health, in the UK.
They have not revealed how much of the chemical was recovered in Scotland, where or on what date it was seized.
The Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit are appealing for information on the sale of the chemical.
Unit head Ron McNaughton said: “If you suspect you’ve been sold a product containing DNP or have any information about it being sold for weight loss, then please do not take it. Report it to our hotline on 0800 028 7926.”