HSA Alert: Three Products Found to Contain Undeclared Potent Ingredients, Including a Banned Substance

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is alerting members of the public not to purchase or consume the following products which were found to contain undeclared potent ingredients, including sibutramine, a banned substance.

Name of products	Undeclared potent ingredients
‘Milan LATTE’	Sibutramine
‘CHOCO LOSE FOR FITNESS’	Sibutramine
‘VALENTUS SlimROAST OPTIMUM Dark Roast Coffee’	Phenethylamine

Please refer to Annex A for photos of the products.

Adverse effects experienced by consumers

2        HSA was alerted to the sale of ‘Milan LATTE’, ‘CHOCO LOSE FOR FITNESS’ and ‘VALENTUS SlimROAST OPTIMUM Dark Roast Coffee’ by members of the public. The consumers were concerned when they experienced adverse effects after consuming the products. One consumer felt breathless and experienced heart palpitations after taking CHOCO LOSE FOR FITNESS’. Another complained of giddiness and nausea after drinking the ‘VALENTUS SlimROAST OPTIMUM Dark Roast Coffee’. The consumer who took ‘Milan LATTE’ became suspicious when his appetite was significantly reduced.

Potent ingredients, including banned substance, detected in the products

3        HSA tested the products and found that ‘Milan LATTE’ and ‘CHOCO LOSE FOR FITNESS’ contained sibutramine. Sibutramine was previously a prescription weight loss medicine but was banned in Singapore in 2010 due to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. ‘Milan LATTE’ was marketed to “detoxify the intestines”, “aid constipation”, “decrease the growth of cancer cells” and “reduce cholesterol level and low density lipoprotein”. ‘CHOCO LOSE FOR FITNESS’ was advertised to be “fast burning fats” (sic).

4        ‘VALENTUS SlimROAST OPTIMUM Dark Roast Coffee’ was found to contain phenethylamine, a potent ingredient that has a stimulatory effect on the brain and can potentially be addictive. It can cause rapid heartbeat, psychiatric conditions such as hallucinations and agitation, liver and kidney failure or even death. The product claimed to be able to “metabolize fat to energy” and boost circulation and oxygen delivery”.

5        These products were sold on multiple e-commerce and social media websites. ‘CHOCO LOSE FOR FITNESS’ was also sold at ‘Queens Beauty.SG’, a shop on Haig Road. HSA has directed the shop to stop the sales of ‘CHOCO LOSE FOR FITNESS’ and respective local website administrators to remove the postings of all three products.

Advisory to consumers

6        Consumers are advised to stop taking these products immediately and see a doctor if you feel unwell or are concerned about your health. Consumers are also advised to be wary of products that make exaggerated claims such as “decrease the growth of cancer cells”, or have unexpectedly quick effects. They could potentially contain undeclared ingredients which can seriously harm your health.

Advisory to sellers and suppliers

7        All sellers and suppliers must stop selling these products immediately. 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 2 years and/or fined up to $10,000.

HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE
29 NOVEMBER 2019

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Published: 29 Nov 2019

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