Luxury spa Champneys escapes prosecution over accusations it mislead guests by claiming its apple crumble could help reduce the risk of cancer
- Champneys allegedly told guests its apply crumble could cut the risk of cancer
- West Sussex council decided legal action not in the public interest at last minute
- Chain also accused of not detailing allergens in the food at its Forest Mere resort
A luxury spa accused of misleading guests by claiming its apple crumble could help reduce the risk of cancer escaped prosecution yesterday.
Bosses at Champneys were due to face 19 charges over their food but at the last minute West Sussex council decided legal action was not in the public interest.
The spa allegedly told its £230-a-night guests that the crumble could cut the risk of ‘cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes’.
Luxury spa Champneys were due to face charges over claims their food could help reduce the risk of cancer but at the last minute West Sussex council decided legal action was not in the public interest (file picture)
Visited by the Beckhams, Kylie Minogue and Dame Judi Dench, the chain was also accused of failing to detail allergens in the food at its Forest Mere resort in Liphook, Hampshire.
And it was charged with selling diners a vegan tofu pad Thai dish that contained milk and not informing guests it had a food hygiene rating of just two out of five.
A council spokesman said it had come to an agreement with Champneys that delivered a satisfactory outcome and action.
Its prosecutors told Worthing magistrates that no charges would be brought.
A spokesman for the council said: ‘The council and the company came to an agreement as to how the various charges would be dealt with and recorded and, as a result, no trial of the charges was considered to be in the public interest.
‘The council considers the agreement reached was a satisfactory outcome and meant that the investigation and action taken had been beneficial.’
The chain was also accused of failing to detail allergens in the food at its Forest Mere resort in Liphook, Hampshire (pictured)
On its website the spa chain boasts it was founded in 1925 on the philosophy that health, beauty and wellbeing are ‘inextricably intertwined’.
It says: ‘Our philosophy is simple; at Champneys, it’s all about healthy, delicious and beautiful food.
‘Steering away from all the fads and fallacies, we keep things honest and enjoyable…. We consider dietary requirements, health conditions, religious beliefs, intolerances and allergies – providing nutritional information wherever possible.’
Champneys did not respond to requests for a comment.