HSA Alert: Four Slimming Products Found to Contain Banned Substance or Laxative

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is alerting members of the public not to purchase or consume four products sold online which were touted for slimming. Contrary to the ingredients listed on the packaging, HSA’s analysis of these products revealed that they contained potent ingredients, including a banned substance or a laxative. The presence of these potent ingredients can cause serious adverse effects in consumers.

Please refer to Annex A and Annex B of the pdf version for photos of the products and possible adverse effects of the potent ingredients found in these products.

Adverse effects after taking ‘Nutriline Thinsline’

2        A female consumer 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’. HSA tested both products and found sibutramine in ‘Nutriline Thinsline’ and sennoside (a laxative) in ‘Nutriline Cleansline’. The ‘Nutriline’ products were marketed as natural supplements for weight loss and detoxification with claims to control appetite and increase metabolism.

3        In June 2017, HSA had alerted the public to another ‘Nutriline’ product, ‘Nutriline Bluvelle’[1], which was also tested to contain sibutramine. It had caused increased heartbeat, dizziness and anxiety in a consumer.

Consumer feedback on suspicious products

4        A 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. Diphenhydramine (an antihistamine) causes drowsiness, which can pose a risk if consumers drive or operate machinery.

5        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[2]. Both products had the same list of ingredients printed on their packaging, including juice powders and extracts. HSA tested ‘Wholly Fitz PASSION LEMON TEA’ to also contain sibutramine.

6        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.

Advisory to consumers

7     Consumers are advised to:

• Stop taking these four products immediately and see a doctor if you feel unwell or are concerned about your 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 your health.

• There is no quick and easy way to lose weight. Weight control should be achieved through a combination of balanced diet and appropriate exercise. If you need help managing your weight, please consult your doctor, dietitian or a healthcare professional.

• Avoid purchasing products from unfamiliar sources, and exercise caution when buying products online.

Advisory to sellers and suppliers

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

9     Members of the public who have any information on the sale and supply of these products may contact HSA's Enforcement Branch at Tel: 6866-3485 during office hours (Monday to Friday) or email: hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg.

HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE
10 SEPTEMBER 2020

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[1] https://www.hsa.gov.sg/announcements/hsa-alert--nutriline-bluvelle--sold-online-found-to-contain-banned-substance-and-caused-adverse-reactions-in-consumer/

[2] https://www.hsa.gov.sg/announcements/press-release/hsa-alert-freakyfitzricalinu