Wakefield company fined for misleading low-sugar prosecco sales
- Marcus Hilton, director of Prosecco 1754 Ltd, was fined for selling a misleading product labeled as 'skinny' prosecco.
- The product contained a sugar content that did not meet legal standards for low-calorie claims, achieving only a 6.6% reduction instead of the required 30%.
- The case highlights the importance of accurate labeling in the food and beverage industry and the consequences of misleading consumers.
In July 2022, Marcus Hilton, the director of Prosecco 1754 Ltd, was fined for selling a product labeled as 'skinny' prosecco that contained excessive sugar. The case was heard at Leeds Crown Court, where it was revealed that the product did not meet the legal requirements for being marketed as low-calorie. Specifically, the law mandates a 30% reduction in energy content for such claims, but the prosecco only achieved a 6.6% reduction. This misrepresentation was brought to light after a complaint led Trading Standards officer Zafar Shah to investigate the company's premises in Wakefield in May 2019. Samples taken during the investigation confirmed the misleading nature of the product's labeling. Despite being advised multiple times by Trading Standards to amend their labeling, the company failed to comply. The court proceedings highlighted that while no immediate health risks were identified, the misleading labeling could potentially affect consumers, particularly those with dietary restrictions like diabetes. Judge Thomas Bayliss noted that the continued sale of the product, despite knowledge of its inaccuracies, demonstrated a disregard for consumer protection laws. Ultimately, Prosecco 1754 Ltd was fined £2,700, and Mr. Hilton received a personal fine of £1,400, along with additional court costs. This case underscores the importance of accurate labeling in the food and beverage industry and the legal obligations companies have to ensure their products are marketed truthfully.