Press Releases
Consumers Had Adverse Effects After Taking 'Queenz Mango Xsliim’ – HSA Tested Product to Contain Banned Substance Sibutramine and Laxative
25 November 2020
Audiences
Consumer
Healthcare professional
Industry member
Product-type
Health supplements
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The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is alerting members of the public not to purchase or consume ‘Queenz Mango Xsliim Botanical Beverage Mix Mango Powder with Garcinia Cambogia & Aloe Vera Extract’, which is marketed as a weight loss product. Tests by HSA showed that it contained potent ingredients – sibutramine (a banned substance) and sennoside (a laxative) – which can cause serious adverse effects. The product was sold on local e-commerce platforms such as Carousell, Lazada, Shopee and Qoo10, and social media platforms such as Facebook. HSA has issued warnings to the sellers and directed the respective website administrators to take down the affected listings of the product. Please refer to Annex A of the pdf version for photos of the product analysed by HSA.
Consumers experienced adverse effects after taking ‘Queenz Mango Xsliim’
2 HSA received feedback from two consumers who experienced chest discomfort, increased heartbeat and dry mouth after taking the product. The product is marketed with claims that it could produce fast weight loss without the need for exercise or diet control. It also falsely misled consumers with claims such as “healthy and natural” slimming product with fruit and botanical extracts for “body detoxification” and “weight management to benefit our body”. This was contrary to HSA's tests which detected potent ingredients in the product.
3 Sibutramine has been banned since 2010 due to an increased risk of heart attack and strokes. It was previously available as a prescription-only weight loss medicine in Singapore. Other serious adverse effects that have been reported by consumers who took products adulterated with sibutramine include insomnia, hallucinations and hearing voices. Last year, a consumer experienced extremely fast heart rate and became unconscious after consuming ’BB Body’, which was adulterated with sibutramine. She required resuscitation and was eventually implanted with a defibrillator (a device to help her heart to function).
4 Sennoside is a laxative that is used for the relief of constipation. Adverse effects associated with its use include cramping, diarrhoea and loss of essential minerals. Prolonged use may cause chronic constipation, fluid and electrolyte abnormalities, bloating and abdominal pain.
Advisory to consumers
5 Consumers are advised to:
Stop taking ‘Queenz Mango Xsliim’ immediately and consult a doctor if you feel unwell or are concerned about your health.
Be wary of products that carry exaggerated claims of fast weight loss without the need for exercise or diet control, or that deliver unexpectedly quick effects. They can contain potent ingredients that can seriously harm your health. Do not trust online product reviews, as these testimonials usually cannot be verified.
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.
Advisory to sellers and suppliers
6 All sellers and suppliers must stop selling ‘Queenz Mango Xsliim’ immediately. HSA will not hesitate to take stern enforcement actions against anyone who sell and supply products found to be adulterated with banned substances or potent 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.
7 Members of the public who have any information on the sale and supply of this illegal product 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
25 NOVEMBER 2020