Sale and marketing of detox teas

Early day motion 23, tabled 15 October 2019 by Helen Hayes (Labour). Signed by 19 members.

That this House notes with concern the sale of detox tea products containing senna and other strong laxative ingredients to young people; further notes that these ingredients are usually used in medication to treat constipation and can have significant detrimental health impacts if used regularly primarily for weight loss; observes that detox teas are aggressively marketed through social media with a focus on unproven health benefits without reference to their harmful ingredients; further observes that detox teas are currently unregulated and can be purchased by people of any age; highlights that these products can exacerbate mental ill-health and eating disorders; and calls on the Government to ban the use of laxative medication in teas and to introduce a stronger regulatory framework and safeguards for the marketing of weight-loss products on social media.

Signatures by party: Labour 9, Scottish National Party 4, Conservative 2, Independent 1, Labour/Co-operative 1, Liberal Democrat 1, Plaid Cymru 1.