Former Strictly contestant Tyler West is among the celebrities and influencers paid by a Government agency to promote food safety campaigns.
The radio DJ, who has a nut allergy, received money from the Food Standards Agency to participate in its Speak Up for Allergies campaign.
Embarrassing Bodies co-presenter Dr Dawn Harper and former Love Island contestant Jack Fowler were also among the 19 “notable or public figures” taking part in campaigns in the last five years, earning £33,925 between them.
The FSA, which also gets food industry funding, paid them “for appearances… in support [of] our campaigns to increase awareness of allergens and other food safety issues”.
It held back details of individual fees for reasons of “commercial interests” and protecting personal information.
Tyler, who appeared in last year’s contest with dance partner Dianne Buswell, was paid for “creating content and sharing allergen-related safety messaging” in a TikTok video in February 2021, playing multiple characters in a sketch about ordering a takeaway and checking if it contains nuts.
The message alongside urges: “Vibe for the food! Speak up if you or someone you know have an allergy. Ask every time.”
Jack, who also has a nut allergy, was paid to discuss a 2018 allergens campaign on Sky News and to share social media content a year later. Dr Dawn was paid in 2021 to boost awareness of Use By dates.
A representative for Tyler declined to comment. Jack and Dr Dawn were contacted for comment.
The FSA’s Natasha Smith said: “Influencers help us get important public health information to hard-to-reach audiences.”
