HSA warns against consuming 2 slimming products with banned substance
Members of the public are advised not to purchase or consume two slimming products as they contain a banned substance which poses serious health risks, said the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in an advisory on Thursday (16 August).
Following testing by the HSA, both “Body Slim Herbal” and “Sparkle Twins” have been found to contain an “undeclared and banned substance”, sibutramine, which has been withdrawn in Singapore since 2010 as it could lead to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes from consumption.
The HSA said that the substance can also cause serious adverse effects, including breathing difficulties, palpitations, visual or auditory hallucinations. It added that it has detected several slimming products containing sibutramine in recent years.
Both products were “falsely labelled” and found to be sold on various online platforms.
“Body Slim Herbal” was touted to be “100 per cent natural” and “free of side effects”, while “Sparkle Twins” was advertised as a “lemon and pomegranate flavoured” drink that contains “natural ingredients”, said the HSA.
“Stop taking ‘Body Slim Herbal’ or ‘Sparkle Twins’ immediately, and consult a doctor if you feel unwell or are concerned about your health,” added the authority. “All sellers and suppliers must stop selling (them) immediately.”
Anyone who supplies illegal health products is liable to prosecution and if convicted, may face up to three years in jail and a fine of up to $100,000.
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