 Supermarket giant Asda will reappear in court in May |
The supermarket giant Asda has denied allegations that it made illegal claims about the anti-cancer properties of its mangoes. Swindon Borough Council has brought the prosecution after a visit to the store by inspectors in June 2003.
The company is accused of breaking food labelling regulations by pointing to the fruit's antioxidant properties.
But Asda has pleaded not guilty at Swindon Magistrates' Court where the case was adjourned until May 24.
'Medical claims'
Phillip Wirth, for the council, told the bench that the sign read: "Mangoes are a great source of Vitamin C and betacarotene which are great for healthy eyes and skin.
"Their antioxidant properties help to fight cancer.
"Try adding mango to smoothies, fruit salad or breakfast cereal."
He added that labelling regulations prohibited making medical claims about food.
For Asda, Nicholas Haggan said: "This prosecution is a prosecution that should never have been brought."
The chain pleaded not guilty to two offences and the case was adjourned.
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