DNP

Urgent warning about the industrial chemical DNP, or 2,4-Dinitrophenol.

DNP, or 2,4-Dinitrophenol, is an industrial chemical that has become popular amongst some people wanting to lose weight rapidly, including bodybuilders and people with eating disorders. DNP is usually sold online or via social media as tablets or capsules.

Danger to health

DNP is poisonous to humans and can lead to severe health problems including:

  • blindness
  • high body temperature
  • death

Sales of DNP have been increasing in the UK in recent years, and a number of people have become seriously ill since the start of 2015, with DNP contributing to a significant number of deaths and instances of serious harm to health in the UK.

What should you do?

The Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit is appealing for anyone in Scotland with information on the sale of DNP to report it to the free and confidential Scottish Food Crime Hotline, which is operated in partnership with Crimestoppers on 0800 028 7926. You can also report any concerns using our online form.

Contact the Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit

Food crime can affect you and those closest to you. Take the time to report it by phone or online.

More on this topic

News

Food Standards Scotland survey shows people in Scotland are unaware of the serious health consequences of DNP

Research conducted by CensusWide on behalf of Food Standards Scotland has found that only 4% of people in Scotland surveyed have heard about the potentially deadly substance DNP and know what it is, which is often illegally marketed as a ‘fat-burning’ food supplement to support weight loss or promote health and fitness.

News

Food Standards Scotland issues warning on the dangers of DNP

Food Standards Scotland’s Scottish Food Crime & Incidents Unit has seized a quantity of powder believed to be the potentially deadly substance DNP.

News

DNP: Urgent health warning from FSS

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) issues an urgent warning against the highly toxic substance found in some diet pills known as DNP. It is not safe for human consumption, yet continues to be unlawfully marketed as a ‘fat burner’.