Friday, May 10

Dragon’s Den episode edited after complaints over ‘unfounded’ claims about remedy of ME

An episode of Dragon’s Den that led to complaints that it promoted “unfounded” claims in regards to the remedy of power fatigue syndrome, has been edited and restored to the iPlayer after being pulled from the platform, the BBC has stated.

A press release on the company’s web site, stated “a clarification has been added to the programme on the streaming platform to address the concerns raised.”

A textual content message seems on display through the present, as businesswoman Giselle Boxer pitches her Acu Seeds enterprise, which 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.”

In the episode, which first aired on 18 January, Ms Boxer stated she had used “diet, acupuncture, Chinese herbs and ear seeds” to assist her restoration from power fatigue syndrome, often called myalgic encephalomyelitis, or ME.

Her expertise with ear seeds – tiny needle-free acupressure units – prompted her to develop her model Acu Seeds, which acquired gives from all six of the Dragons, a file achievement within the present’s historical past.

There are normally 5 Dragons within the Den. The present common line-up is Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman, Sara Davies and Steven Bartlett. But for the Acu Seeds episode, Gary Neville – the ex-footballer, pundit and businessman – had joined the panel as a visitor Dragon.

A disclaimer on Acu Seeds’ web site stated the product shouldn’t be used to diagnose, deal with, remedy or forestall any illness.

Proponents of ear seeds say they stimulate strain factors in ears.

The NHS stated there may be presently no remedy for ME, a long-term situation with signs together with exhaustion, insomnia and struggling to pay attention, however some remedies might assist handle it.

Action for ME despatched an open letter to the chairs of two House of Commons choose committees that stated they have been “very concerned” about the way in which wherein Ms Boxer’s pitch was offered.

The group stated the feedback made instructed the product was “responsible for her recovery and should therefore be considered an effective treatment”, however “sadly, there is currently no known effective treatment for ME.”

Read extra:
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The group stated on social media that it had additionally written to BBC director-general Tim Davie to voice its considerations in regards to the episode.

On Friday, the BBC defended the inclusion of the enterprise after receiving complaints, saying merchandise being featured on the programme “should not be seen as an endorsement of them”.

However, the company stated it was taking the considerations raised critically and the episode wouldn’t be accessible on iPlayer whereas it was being reviewed.

Content Source: information.sky.com