WIREDGOV

DNP is an industrial chemical. It is not fit for human consumption.

However, 'fat-burner' capsules, tablets and powders containing DNP appear to be marketed at the body-building community, and those wishing to lose weight, as a quick way of burning fat.

When consumed, DNP can be extremely dangerous to human health, possibly leading to coma and death. Signs of acute poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, restlessness, flushed skin, sweating, dizziness, headaches, rapid respiration and irregular heartbeat. Consuming lower amounts over longer periods could lead to cataracts and skin lesions and impact on the heart, blood and nervous system.

Anyone who believes they may have taken DNP should seek medical advice immediately.

The FSA is taking action both to crack down on the illegal sale of DNP and to raise awareness of the dangers of its use. In particular:

• the Agency is working with the police and local authorities to stamp out the illegal sale of DNP to consumers, focusing on stopping internet sales
• we are reminding companies, including internet traders, of the criminal sanctions available to the courts to deal with any person or company found to be supplying DNP products for consumption

Please help us spread this urgent message and help to prevent further dangers to human health, and possibly even another death, by tweeting during 21-25 October:

Help prevent another death, and raise awareness about the dangers of taking DNP. Retweet this: http://ow.ly/pIAh3 #DNPkills

We’ll be tweeting awareness messages about the dangers and risks of taking DNP as a supplement from our @foodgov account this week.

We’ll also be posting on Facebook. If you are on Facebook, please like us at www.food.gov.uk/facebook, and share our messages with your friends.

For more information about the science behind DNP, read our blog which can be found via the 'External sites' links on this page.