Poundworld fined over faulty thermometers

Discount retailer Poundworld has been fined £5,000 for selling dangerously faulty digital thermometers and other medical items, it was announced today.

The retailer continued to sell the thermometers despite warnings to remove them from shelves last year, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said.

The AidFast, 1st Aid and Powerplast thermometers, which were found to give inaccurate readings, were discovered in several shops across the UK.

The MHRA warned in April last year that an error of up to 0.50C could be significant, particularly to babies and small children, as consumers may not seek the medical attention required.

The thermometers were not CE marked, which shows compliance with UK regulations, and were not accompanied by the appropriate warnings, precautions and instructions for use.

The packaging did not give information about the manufacturer, batch or serial number.

Other Poundworld items found not to comply with regulations included bandages, plasters and sterile dressings.

MHRA spokesman Peter Commins said: "By knowingly placing these products on to the market, Poundworld has shown a severe disregard for public health.

"The defective thermometers are not compliant with UK legislation, meaning there is no assurance that they meet appropriate standards of safety and performance.

"The MHRA will continue to take action against individuals who put public health at risk."

Poundworld was also ordered to pay £9,000 costs.