CONSUMERS in Wiltshire are being urged not to judge the value of vitamins, minerals and food supplements by the size of the packaging.

A survey by trading standards officers found on average containers were twice the size needed for the contents.

In the worst case the container was more than 10 times the size required.

Steve Clover, county trading standards manager, said: "We are concerned that these are products on the shop shelves with packaging which is either excessive or unnecessary. We urge the public, therefore, not to judge value for money simply by the size of the container alone."

The survey of 55 food supplement containers was carried out as part of a wider project looking at the use of packaging.

Officers have been unable to take effective action against the worst offenders due to difficulties enforcing the relevant legislation.