A factory employee is pursuing legal action against the manufacturer of Lemsip, alleging that the product has exacerbated his asthma and impaired his sleep. He seeks damages amounting to £100,000.
Artur Rezmer, a 45-year-old technician from Hull, claims that exposure to dust and fumes from the production of Lemsip and Fybogel led to debilitating symptoms, including sore throat and difficulty breathing.
Rezmer began his role at the factory, operated by Reckitt Benckiser, in 2020. Shortly after starting, he reported suffering from a blocked nose and throat irritation that disrupted his sleep. Despite requesting a transfer due to his condition while working on the Lemsip line, he remained there for several months before being reassigned to the Fybogel production.
Unfortunately, the switch only worsened his symptoms, leading to chest tightness, breathlessness, and facial flushing within days. Although the company provided a high-performance mask and allowed him time off to recuperate, Rezmer found the mask intolerable.
After spending eight months in the warehouse, he returned to the Lemsip line, where he soon experienced severe health issues, including spitting blood, prompting him to take further sick leave.
A consultant respiratory physician diagnosed him with occupational asthma and allergies, specifically to ispaghula, the ingredient in Fybogel. In the formal complaint filed at the Kingston-upon-Hull Combined Court Centre, Rezmer’s legal team contends that the company’s safety equipment was not effectively implemented and that mask-wearing was not enforced.
Reckitt Benckiser refutes the allegations, asserting that no respiratory allergens exist in Lemsip. However, the company acknowledges that ispaghula in Fybogel is a recognized sensitizing agent but downplays its connection to Rezmer’s condition, citing other allergy test results he has had.
The outcome of this case remains pending, with Rezmer currently employed in a different role within the company, now working on Dettol production. His claim highlights concerns regarding workplace safety and product handling, noting incidents where powders from Lemsip escaped, creating hazardous fumes.
Originally launched in 1969 and rebranded in the 1970s, Lemsip is a flagship product of Reckitt, which traces its origins back to 1840. The merger with Benckiser in 1999 formed a leading enterprise in the household and personal care sector, reporting revenues of £14.2 billion in 2025.
A spokesperson for Reckitt Benckiser has stated that due to the ongoing legal process, they are unable to provide further comments.
Editor’s Take
The implications of this lawsuit are significant for workplace safety standards, especially in manufacturing environments. If the court finds in favor of Rezmer, it may prompt a reevaluation of safety protocols across the industry, compelling companies to enhance protective measures for their employees against allergens and respiratory hazards. For consumers, this case underscores the importance of transparency regarding product safety.
Source: www.dailymail.com
