Criminals looking to exploit slimming products, Hertfordshire Trading Standards warns
Trading Standards says illegal slimming products are being found elsewhere in the country
Criminals are looking to exploit the growing demand for slimming products, according to Hertfordshire Trading Standards.
The warning comes as officials in other parts of the country identify illegal products being offered outside the proper regulatory controls.
Hertfordshire Trading Standards says it has not yet identified any illegal sales in the county, but is continuing to monitor the situation.
Simon Brindley, Manager of Hertfordshire Trading Standards, says popular products can create opportunities for criminals looking to make money.
“As with any popular trend, there's an opportunity for criminals to make money,” he said.
He said high demand can sometimes outpace legitimate supply, creating an opportunity for people to sell products illegally.
“At the moment, it's slimming products. It's been other products before. It will be other different products in the future,” Mr Brindley said.
Trading Standards monitoring the situation
Mr Brindley said Trading Standards is continually assessing its intelligence to understand whether illegal slimming products are appearing in Hertfordshire.
He also urged members of the public to report any concerns, saying consumers can provide important information about what is happening in their local communities.
“Your listeners and consumers in the county are very often our eyes and ears in our communities,” he said.
Reports can help Trading Standards build a clearer picture of where potentially illegal products are being offered and take action where appropriate.
Warning over products sold outside the proper controls
Simon Brindley says consumers should be wary of slimming products being offered outside the normal regulatory controls.
“Any product that deviates from those tight regulatory controls might be cheaper,” he said.
“But by default, it makes it unknown whether it can perform in the way that it's intended to and whether there are any adverse health reactions.”
He says anyone offered slimming products without a prescription should avoid buying them and report their concerns.