HSA bans slimming coffee brand which claims side effects are beneficial
SINGAPORE — The Health Sciences Authority is alerting the public not to buy or consume the S Gold Coffee brand of slimming coffee, as the product has been tested to contain a banned substance.
In a media release on Thursday (26 September), HSA said that the product contained sibutramine, which used to be a prescription medicine for weight loss, but has been banned in Singapore since 2010, due to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Marketing materials mislead consumers
The product marketing materials had advised that insomnia is a common reaction when taking this product, and that experiencing headache and heart palpitations showed that “the product is working towards internal detoxing and helps to improve blood circulation”.
However, these are in fact known side effects of sibutramine, which the sellers are misleading consumers into believing they are beneficial effects of the product, said HSA.
HSA was alerted to the online sale of S Gold Coffee by a member of the public, who became suspicious when her appetite was suppressed significantly after consuming the product.
The product is sold on social media platforms and local e-commerce websites for slimming. HSA has directed the respective local website administrators to remove the postings.
Stop taking product, see doctor if unwell
Consumers are advised to stop taking S Gold Coffee immediately and see a doctor if they feel unwell or are concerned about their health. They are also advised to be wary of products that make exaggerated claims such as “inhibition of cancer cell growth” and “reducing the risk of developing colon cancer”.
HSA has ordered all sellers and suppliers to stop selling S Gold Coffee immediately. It adde that it is illegal to sell and supply such products, which contain potent medicinal ingredients or banned substances.
Sellers and suppliers are liable to prosecution and if convicted, may be imprisoned for up to two years and/or fined up to $5,000.
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