Fat burner pills and anti-cellulite cream bought on Facebook kill gym mum-of-four — as daughter claims she was ‘paranoid’ about turning 50
Linda's husband, Mark, and daughter, Michaela, are concerned the products are still being sold online
A MUM died after using fat burner pills and anti-cellulite cream bought on Facebook.
Gym regular Linda Baranowski bought them because she was “paranoid” about turning 50, her daughter revealed.
The mum of four rubbed Yili Balo hot chilli anti- cellulite slimming cream on her legs, arms and stomach and took T5 fat burner pills.
But weeks later she collapsed with stomach pains, and her skin turned purple and started to peel off.
She died after five weeks on a life-support machine when her intestine ruptured.
Linda, 50, of Hoddesdon, Herts, bought the Chinese-made cream and pills as part of a £30 bundle from Facebook seller Kay Mavrides.
She in turn purchased them from an eBay seller, an inquest in Hatfield, Herts, heard.
Police said Kay admitted two other buyers had complained the slimming gel was “too hot for them”.
Trading Standards chiefs said they found no issues with other packs of the products.
Recording a narrative verdict Hertfordshire coroner Geoffrey Sullivan said: “It’s likely that Linda Baranowski died as a result of an inflammatory reaction to dietary supplements she was using.
“I remain concerned these products are still on sale.”
He will write to the chief coroner in an attempt to prevent future deaths.
Outside the inquest, Linda’s daughter Michaela, 29, said: “My mum was paranoid about turning 50 so she decided to try a bundle.
“It concerns me that these products are still being sold.”
Linda’s trucker husband Mark, 50, added: “The waters are very murky surrounding these things, so of course I think they need regulating.”