WIREDGOV

The Food Standards Agency welcomes the sentencing of a man who unlawfully sold DNP for human consumption.

Bernard Rebelo was sentenced to seven years in prison on Wednesday 11^th March after being found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter. He sold toxic DNP to Eloise Parry, falsely and illegally claiming that it was a slimming aid. Ms Parry, a student at Wrexham Glyndwr University, died in April 2015 after consuming DNP capsules. 

The FSA’s National Food Crime Unit initiated the investigation into Rebelo before working with Harrow Council who, as the competent local authority, took the investigation forward. 

This was the second time Rebelo was found guilty of these charges after his initial conviction was sent for a retrial by the Court of Appeal. 

Reg Bevan, Deputy Head of the FSA’s National Food Crime Unit, said:

'We welcome this verdict and sentencing and want to acknowledge the great work that Harrow Council did in securing this conviction. 

DNP is a lethal chemical and we have seen the devastating consequences that consuming it has. It is unforgiveable to sell it for human consumption and we will continue to work with our partners to pursue those who seek to profit from marketing it as a weight loss aid.'

What is DNP?

2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) is a highly toxic chemical which is poisonous to humans and can cause death, as well as other serious physical side effects. It is sometimes illegally marketed as a weight-loss aid. 

The effects of DNP can be catastrophic and cause serious harm to health. Taking DNP has resulted in a significant number of deaths in the UK.