The British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF) has ripped up its stamp of approval of a trainer cup after a battle over money with the manufacturers.
The Steadycup – an open-top cup for toddlers – enjoyed the endorsement by the BDHF for over two years when it was acknowledged in 2005 by the panel of dental experts to promote good oral health.
The cup was designed by the Steadyco’s founder Claire Clare who – aware of the oral problems associated with prolonged use of spouted cups – developed a mouth-friendly alternative.
However, officials at the BDHF are now upset that a debt remains unpaid and have taken away their accreditation.
Chief executive, Dr Nigel Carter, commented: ‘I regret to announce that the British Dental Health Foundation has been forced to withdraw its accreditation of the Steadycup with immediate effect.
‘Steadyco has tried to take advantage of the Foundation’s charitable status and it is completely unacceptable that they should use our stamp of approval to increase sales while singularly failing to meet the costs we have incurred in order to grant them that approval.’
The BDHF evaluates consumer oral healthcare products before awarding accreditation to ensure that manufacturers’ product claims are clinically proven and not exaggerated.
Steayco’s website boasts of its Steadycup: ‘Its unique style and design has generated previously unheard of levels of interest and acclaim from retailers and healthcare professionals, alike.’
But a spokesperson for the BDHF said: ‘We have been very patient but they have continual trading and cash flow problems. The Foundation’s logo is on packaging and it should now be withdrawn.’
Currently there are more than 150 approved products on sale in 80 countries around the world.
The money generated by accreditation helps fund many of the Foundation’s charitable activities including a free Dental Helpline for the public.
