Asda mangoes 'cancer cure'

One of the UK's biggest supermarket chains is being prosecuted over a sign urging customers to buy mangoes.

Trading standards officials claim its advertising implies that eating them could cure cancer.

The case centres on a sign placed by a display of the fruit in a branch of Asda which read: "Mangoes are a great source of vitamin C and betacarotene which are good for healthy eyes and skin. Their antioxidant properties help to fight cancer - try adding mangoes to smoothies, fruit salad or breakfast cereal."

No one disputes the vitamin content of mangoes, but trading standards officers believe Asda went too far in its health claims and launched legal proceedings.

Asda stands by its sign, saying it was simply highlighting legitimate health benefits.

The row comes amid a Government campaign encouraging people to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day to help prevent heart disease, diabetes, stroke and cancers.

It is understood that staff at the Haydon Wick store in Swindon, Wiltshire, took the sign down when trading standard officers told them that they objected to its wording.

The officers are thought to be concerned that some shoppers would believe Asda was claiming that simply eating mangoes could cure cancer.

A spokesman for Asda said: "It's widely accepted that the consumption of more fruit and vegetables has positive health - and perhaps cancer prevention - benefits.

"We are disappointed that the local authority is continuing to pursue the matter given that we have sought to follow one of Government's policy objectives in the promotion of fruit and veg consumption."

A spokesman for Swindon Trading Standards said he could not comment on the case for legal reasons but confirmed: "Swindon Borough Council has instigated legal proceedings against Asda for alleged breaches of the Food Labelling Regulations and the Cancer Act (1939) in relation to the sale of mangoes."