HSA Found Controlled Substances, Thyroid Gland and Thyroid Hormones in "Metabolic Advantage"

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) alerts the public that it has found thyroid gland and thyroid hormones, which are controlled substances, in “Metabolic Advantage”. The affected product is labelled as a complementary health product and marketed to enhance thyroid health and support weight loss. Thyroid gland and thyroid hormones are potent substances which could potentially cause adverse effects when consumed without medical supervision. (See Annex A for photograph of product and product labelling).

2      The presence of thyroid gland and thyroid hormones in the affected product was detected and confirmed through HSA's regular post-market surveillance. To date, no adverse events associated with this product have been reported to HSA. However, as the product has been marketed locally in retail shops, HSA is alerting members of the public who may have this product in their possession to stop consuming it.

3      “Metabolic Advantage” is distributed locally by M/S Fu Fong Trading Pte Ltd/ Protos Trading Pte Ltd and manufactured by “Enzymatic Therapy, Inc.” in the United States. Following HSA's directions, the distributor has since withdrawn all remaining stocks of the product from the affected retail shops.

4      Thyroid gland and thyroid hormones are substances which are controlled under the Poisons Act and should only be obtained with a doctor's prescription. Complementary health products are not allowed to contain western medicinal ingredients or substances controlled under the Poisons Act.

Advisory

5      HSA strongly advises anyone who has purchased this product not to consume it. In the event that they have consumed this product, they should seek medical advice if they are feeling unwell or are experiencing any adverse effects, which may include headache, anxiety, palpitations, and increased blood pressure.

6      Says Ms Chan Cheng Leng, Division Director of the Vigilance, Compliance and Enforcement Branch of HSA: “Members of the public who have pre-existing or chronic medical conditions such as cardiovascular conditions or diabetes are advised to consult a healthcare professional before consuming complementary
health products. Members of the public are also advised to seek professional advice when in doubt of whether a complementary health product is suitable for their consumption.”

7      HSA would like to remind dealers that complementary health products are not allowed to contain substances controlled under the Poisons Act. Anyone found guilty under the Poisons Act is liable, on conviction, to a fine of up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment for a term of up to two years.

8      Consumers may wish to contact HSA's Enforcement Branch at Tel: 6866 3485 (Monday to Friday) or email hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg if they have information on the sale of similar products.

HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE
26 MAY 2011

Download pdf version here115 KB Published: 26 May 2011

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