Detox’s medical claims face probe
Detox is one of many lifestyle fads
The marketing of detox products is to be investigated by the government after the BBC drew its attention to some of their medical claims.
The Medical Health Care Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is taking action based on investigations by Real Story’s Doctors on a Detox programme.
Some detox products claim to enhance the immune system, relieve pain, flush out toxins and stimulate circulation.
But the programme said they had not undergone proper medical tests.
Medical claims can only be made after rigorous testing.
Any product making a medical claim has to prove that quality standard
Medical Health Care Products Regulatory Agency
It is a criminal offence under the Medicines (Advertising) Regulation Act 1994 to issue an advertisement relating to a relevant medicinal product without a licence.
A spokesman for the MHRA said: “Licenses will only be granted after the safety and efficacy of products have been shown in clinical trials.
“Any product making a medical claim has to prove that quality standard. The consumer has to be able to trust what they buy.”
The MHRA is now writing to a number of detox product manufacturers to ask them to withdraw any unproven medical claims.
Trial ’successful’
Nutritionist and TV presenter Gillian McKeith’s 24 hour Detox claims to “cleanse and normalise your body’s vital organs, including liver, bowels, gall bladder, spleen and abdominal intestine system”.
According to the MHRA this is a medical claim which requires the product to be tested and licensed.
McKeith’s company told the BBC they believed the claims complied with current legislation and that “packaging is changed immediately if it is found to be out of line.”
SlimLife Detox Foot Patches claim to flush out harmful toxins and boost the immune system.
SlimLife told the BBC they would be discussing the claims made for the product with the MHRA but an independent trial of 84 people had tried the product and the response was excellent.
Shapechangers Detox Wrap Deluxe Home Kit claimed their clay wraps could soothe psoriasis and eczema.
Manufacturer Sirius Blue said the medical claims were no longer made, although they acknowledged that old stock was still being sold.
Doctors on a Detox, a Real Story programme, is broadcast on Monday on BBC One at 1930 BST.