A few weeks ago, we reported on the fact that UK-based
weight loss organisation Slimming World had removed Porky Lights, a range of supposedly low-fat sausages manufactured by Surrey-based
G White & Co,
from their approved list after testing indicated that the product was in fact
much higher in fat content than claimed. G White & Co heavily disputed
their findings, but neither side has since been willing to back down on their
claims, and as such the row has continued to escalate.
Porky Lights are advertised as containing just 78 calories
and 3% fat, which led to Slimming World giving the product a classification of
half a ‘Syn’. However, after those at Slimming World became “concerned about the
fatty texture” of the product, additional nutritional analysis was conducted.
According to Slimming World, their concerns proved to be
justified, as the sausages were found to be “much higher in fat than the
nutritional information on the product's packaging had indicated”. Following their
initial announcement however, Managing Director of G White & Co, Chris
Price, fired back. He stated that Slimming World’s results were “highly
inconsistent” and “grossly misleading”. He even went so far as to accuse the
company of basing their statement on analysis undertaken by a rival
manufacturer, rather than conducting their own tests.
Slimming World have now reignited the debate, issuing the
results of their latest tests on the sausages along with the following statement:
“We felt it was important to obtain our own test reports
because G White & Co, the company who make Porky Lights, were publicly
accusing us of relying on sabotaged test results commissioned by competitor
companies - in effect suggesting that we were misleading our members and
seeking to discredit their company.
“The results of the new tests show that the fat content of
the sausages varied enormously and none of the sausages we sent for testing
were actually low fat. The results clearly show that the average fat content is
anything between 8.7g per 100g and 19.4g per 100g - all significantly higher
than the 3.8g per 100g fat (or 2.5g fat per sausage) declared on the nutrition
information on Porky Lights' packaging.
“These results are in addition to the previous test results
which we were shown by one of our suppliers, which consisted of eight reports
showing average fat contents ranging from 9.6g per 100g to 19.1 g per 100g.
“As these results show that the fat levels are both high and
very inconsistent we have communicated to our 4,500 Consultants across the UK
and Ireland to let them know that we are unable to give even an estimated Syn
value for Porky Lights at this time.”
And once again, G White & Co is disputing the claims by
releasing their own nutritional data and ordering “a considerable programme of
further additional testing.” They also issued the following statement:
“Questions are being raised about the broader methodologies
of the food testing processes themselves but G. White & Co stand by the
fact that they employ the highest level of food testing available to food
manufacturers and repeatedly exceed the testing standards that are required to
back up their nutritional claims in order to maintain their stringent quality
control.
“In order to expedite the process of giving complete and
absolute assurance to its highly valued customers and to protect its impeccable
reputation, G. White & Co have invited Trading Standards to now step in.
“In the meantime, the Porky Lights range is set to expand
with the addition of the Porky Whites British Beef Chuck Steak Burger that is
currently listed on the Slimming World database at only half a 'Syn' per
burger.”
Sam Bonson
Sam
is an aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He is currently
working as a content writer, journalist & editor in an attempt to expand
his horizons.
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