Products found to contain undeclared medicines
|
| |
| Singapore: HSA Alert: Four slimming products found to contain banned substance or laxative |
| |
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is alerting members of the public not to purchase or consume four products sold online which were touted for slimming. Contrary to the ingredients listed on the packaging, HSA’s analysis of these products revealed that they contained potent ingredients, including a banned substance or a laxative. The presence of these potent ingredients can cause serious adverse effects in consumers. The affected products are:
- Nutriline Thinsline: contains sibutramine (banned in Singapore)
- Nutriline Cleansline: contains sennoside (laxative)
- KiMiSo Dark Chocolate: contains sibutramine (banned in Singapore) and diphenhydramine (antihistamine)
- Wholly Fitz PASSION LEMON TEA: contains sibutramine (banned in Singapore)
A female consumer reported to HSA that she experienced extreme thirst, irregular heartbeat and loss of appetite after taking one sachet of Nutriline Thinsline. During investigations, HSA found that this product was usually sold together with Nutriline Cleansline. HSA tested both products and found sibutramine in Nutriline Thinsline and sennoside (a laxative) in Nutriline Cleansline. The Nutriline products were marketed as natural supplements for weight loss and detoxification with claims to control appetite and increase metabolism.
A female consumer suspected that KiMiSo Dark Chocolate may contain potent ingredients after reading the reviews on the product, and reported it to HSA. The product was marketed to have the ability to “intensely burn fat” and “promote weight loss”, with “no laxatives” and “no side effects”. HSA tested the product and detected sibutramine and diphenhydramine. Sibutramine has been banned in Singapore since 2010 due to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Diphenhydramine (an antihistamine) causes drowsiness, which can pose a risk if consumers drive or operate machinery.
HSA also received feedback from a consumer who suspected that Wholly Fitz PASSION LEMON TEA, marketed to “keep the fat away”, was similar to a product which was detected by HSA earlier this year to contain sibutramine. Both products had the same list of ingredients printed on their packaging, including juice powders and extracts. HSA tested Wholly Fitz PASSION LEMON TEA to also contain sibutramine.
Please refer to the following website in HSA for details:
http://www.hsa.gov.sg/announcements/press-release/hsa-alert-fourslimmingproducts-bannedsubstanceorlaxative
In Hong Kong, the above products are not registered pharmaceutical products.
Ends/Friday, Sep 11, 2020
Issued at HKT 16:00
|
| |
