HSA lists four online products found to have banned substances
SINGAPORE — The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is alerting the public not to purchase or consume four products sold online which were touted for slimming.
The four products are:
Nutriline Thinsline: contains banned substance sibutramine
Nutriline Cleansline: contains laxative sennoside
KiMiSo Dark Chocolate: contains banned substance sibutramine and diphenhydramine
Wholly Fitz Passion Lemon Tea: contains banned substance sibutramine
HSA said in a media release on Thursday (10 September) that, contrary to the ingredients listed on the packaging, these products were found to contain potent ingredients can cause serious adverse effects in consumers.
Consumers alerted HSA of products
A female consumer had 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. The Nutriline products were marketed as natural supplements for weight loss and detoxification with claims to control appetite and increase metabolism.
In June 2017, HSA had alerted the public to another Nutriline product, Nutriline Bluvelle, which was also tested to contain sibutramine. It had caused increased heartbeat, dizziness and anxiety in a consumer.
Another 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, while diphenhydramine 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 Freaky Fitz Passion Lemon Tea, 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.
Advice for consumers
HSA has issued warnings to the sellers of these four products and directed the respective website administrators to take down the affected listings.
The products were sold on local e-commerce platforms such as Shopee and Qoo10, and social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.
Consumers are advised to:
Stop taking these four products immediately and see a doctor if unwell or are concerned about health;
Be wary of products that make exaggerated weight loss claims or deliver unexpectedly quick effects. They could contain potent ingredients that can seriously harm one’s health;
Be aware that there is no quick and easy way to lose weight. Weight control should be achieved through a combination of balanced diet and appropriate exercise. Consult a doctor, dietitian or a healthcare professional if help is needed to manage one’s weight.
Avoid purchasing products from unfamiliar sources, and exercise caution when buying products online.
All sellers and suppliers are required stop selling the four products immediately. HSA said it is illegal to sell and supply adulterated products containing banned substances or potent medicinal ingredients.
Sellers and suppliers are liable to prosecution and if convicted, may be imprisoned for up to two years and/or fined up to $10,000.
Members of the public who have any information on the sale and supply of these products may contact HSA’s enforcement branch at 6866-3485 during office hours (Monday to Friday) or email: hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg.
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