SUPERMARKET giant Asda has denied its labelling of mangoes broke the law by making claims the fruit can cure cancer.

The North Swindon branch of the supermarket chain is being prosecuted by Swindon Council's trading standards department.

The council claims the firm, whose parent company is American giant Wal-Mart, contravened regulations 40(1) and 44 of the Food Labelling Regulations 1996 and Section 4(1) of the Cancer Act 1939. This legislation includes rules that medicinal claims cannot be made for food.

The council took the firm to court after an inspection at Asda Wal-Mart, off Thamesdown Drive, in June last year allegedly unearthed the label.

For the council, Phillip Wirth told Swindon magistrates yesterday that the sign read: "Mangoes are a great source of Vitamin C and betacarotene which are great for healthy eyes and skin. Their antioxidant properties help to fight cancer.

"Try adding mango to smoothies, fruit salad or breakfast cereal."

He also told the court that labelling regulations prohibit medical claims about food.

For Asda, Nicholas Haggan said: "This is a prosecution that should never have been brought."

The chain pleaded not guilty to both offences.

The hearing was adjourned until May 24 at Swindon Magistrates Court when a trial date is set to be fixed.