BBC makes change to Dragons' Den episode amid concerns 'unfounded' health claims
27.01.2024 - 17:57
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
The BBC has added a clarification to an episode of Dragons’ Den after concerns were raised the show promoted “unfounded” claims that a product could help myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME).
In the episode, which aired on January 18, businesswoman Giselle Boxer said she had used “diet, acupuncture, Chinese herbs and ear seeds” to aid her recovery from ME, and had turned the latter idea into the brand Acu Seeds.
ME is a long-term condition with a wide range of symptoms including extreme tiredness, sleep issues and concentration problems, according to the NHS website. It states that while there is currently no cure for the condition, there are treatments that may help manage it.
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After ME campaign groups complained about the pitch, the broadcaster took the episode off its streaming platform so it could review its contents.
In a fresh update on Saturday (January 27), a BBC spokesperson said: "Following a review of the episode, a clarification has been added to the programme on iPlayer to address the concerns raised. It reads: Acu Seeds are not intended as a cure for any medical condition and advice should always be sought from a qualified healthcare provider about any health concerns.”
There is also a note in the information section of the episode to highlight that the programme has been edited since broadcast. During the business show, the Sheffield-based businesswoman told the potential investors that she had established her Acu Seeds product after seeking treatments when she was diagnosed with ME at the age of 26.
She said: “Four years ago I was