Toxic diet chemical seized by officials

An apparent stash of a potentially-deadly chemical used in extreme dieting has been seized in Scotland.

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) said its food crime unit has recovered “a quantity” of powder believed to be the highly-toxic substance DNP.

DNP – also known as 2,4-dinitrophenol – is an industrial chemical mainly used as a pesticide that has become popular with some people who want to lose weight rapidly, such as bodybuilders 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.

The food standards body said sales of DNP have been increasing in recent years and that the chemical has contributed to a “significant” number of deaths, as well as instances of serious harm to health, in the UK.

The FSS is not revealing how much was recovered.