Asda faces court over mango health claims
Supermarket challenged on fruit labeling
February 10 2004
Supermarket chain Asda faces prosecution after council trading standards officers decided it had been too enthusiastic in its claims for the health benefits of mangoes.
A routine inspection of the fresh produce shelves at Asda’s Swindon store led council officers to decide that labeling describing the anti-cancer properties of mangoes breached strict regulations about claiming health and disease prevention benefits for products.
A Swindon council spokesman told the Press Association: “We have instigated legal proceedings against the company for breach of both the Food Labelling Regulations and the National Cancer Act.”
Asda said it said it was disappointed by the decison to prosecute and would be defending its policy at the court hearing, scheduled for next month.
The Mango Association points out that the fruit is rich in vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants, which are though to protect against cancer. It also says, with considerable pride, that Mangoes are high in fibre and low in calories and sodium.
