More than 60 per cent of medicines bought online turn out to be substandard or falsified.

MEP Mairead McGuinness – who is trying to warn people about the hazards of buying drugs on the internet and ahs called for a campaign to educate Ireland on a new system of labelling that includes an obligatory logo on legally operating websites and retailers. The system is intended to give consumers guarantees that they are buying legitimate medicines online.

From July 1st a new logo is appearing on verified websites within the EU.

“This logo or mark is exclusive to the websites of legally operating online pharmacies and approved retailers within the EU,” Ms McGuinness said.

It comes following the death of a young Irish man in June, who had bought banned slimming pills on the internet.

The man is believed to have purchased slimming pills containing Dinitrophenol (DNP), a toxic substance that is marketed as having “fat burning” properties. It has been linked to a number of deaths worldwide.

Ms McGuinness says people need to be aware of the dangers.

“When you’re buying from an unregulated source you have no guarantees about the authenticity, the safety, the efficacy of these products.

“Tragically we know that an investigation is underway into the death of a young person who bought something online and you could potentially be putting your health, and worse, your life, in danger,” she said.