HSA warns public not to consume three health products with 'potent undeclared ingredients'
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is advising the public not to consume three health products – Pil Raja Urat Asli, XXS xtraxtrasmall and Best Nutrition Products Diabotica 500mg Capsules – as they contain potent undeclared medicinal ingredients, including a steroid and a banned substance for weight loss.
The agency said in a media release on Friday (30 November) that a man in his 70s was hospitalised after consuming the Pil Raja Urat Asli health product, due to the development of Cushing’s syndrome, which is characterised by a “moon” face, thin limbs, thinning of the skin and easy bruising.
This was caused by the long-term consumption of steroids such as dexamethasone that was fraudulently added into the product.
Sold online, via street peddlers and at retail outlets
HSA personnel found that Pil Raja Urat Asli was sold by street peddlers in Geylang and Chinatown, while XXS xtraxtrasmall was sold online and Best Nutrition Products Diabotica 500mg Capsules was sold at local retail outlets.
The three products claim to help with weight loss and pain relief.
The agency has initiated the recall of the affected products from the retail outlets, and has directed the administrators of online platforms to remove web listings of the affected products.
Actions to be taken
Consumers are advised on the following:
Stop taking XXS xtraxtrasmall and Best Nutrition Products Diabotica 500mg Capsules immediately and consult a doctor if they feel unwell.
As Pil Raja Urat Asli contains a potent steroid, consumers who have taken this product should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Be wary of health products that promise or deliver quick and miraculous effects, or carry exaggerated claims such as “unexpectedly good result from the first day” as claimed in XXS xtraxtrasmall.
Avoid purchasing health products from street peddlers, and exercise caution when buying such products online.
All sellers and suppliers must stop selling these products immediately. Anyone who supplies illegal health products may be imprisoned for up to 3 years and/or fined up to $100,000.
Members of the public who have any information on the sale and supply of these illegal products may contact HSA’s Enforcement Branch at 68663485 during office hours, or e-mail hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg.
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