A man claiming to sell a cure for cancer has been fined £750 following an investigation by Essex Trading Standards.

Steven Cook, 54, of East Road, West Mersea, was charged with an offence under the Cancer Act after suggesting Colloidal Silver was a treatment for cancer.

Cook pleaded guilty at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Friday, September 12.

Magistrates imposed a fine of £750 and ordered him to pay £1,500 costs.

Cllr Roger Walters, Essex County Council's lead member for Trading Standards, said: “Trading Standards' advice to people who are considering whether to take any substance not prescribed for a medical purpose, either preventative or as a treatment, is to consult their doctor first.

“I hope the public feel safer knowing that Essex Trading Standards will take action where traders are trying to sell products which are neither medically proven nor safe.”

Cook runs a website selling various products containing silver.

One of the products on sale was “Ultimate Colloidal Silver”, a liquid containing silver that Cook made in his own home.

Trading Standards said the website implied that the product can cure cancer – and this is an offence under the Cancer Act.

Cook has now updated the website and removed any claims that colloidal silver can cure some cancers.

*Did you buy any Ultimate Colloidal Silver from Cook? If so, get in touch on 01376 334339 or email mbsdistrict@nqe.com