The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) issued a cautionary advisory following the revelation that four weight-loss food items contained prohibited substances. The products in question include Sausando Slimming Coffee and Sausando Slimming Tea from Japan, as well as Unique Good Morning Candies and Unique Good Night Candies from Malaysia.
According to the SFA, these items, which boast capabilities such as fat burning, effective weight loss, appetite suppression, detoxification, hunger control, improved digestion, and accelerated metabolism, were discovered to include substances that have been banned due to health risks.
In collaboration with local e-commerce platforms, the SFA has taken swift action to delist the aforementioned products and has instructed vendors to discontinue sales immediately. Notably, both items from Sausando were found to contain restricted substances frusemide, phenolphthalein, and sibutramine.
Sibutramine, a prescription-based weight-loss treatment, has been prohibited in Singapore since 2010 due to its association with an elevated risk of heart attack and stroke. Furthermore, the misuse of frusemide may result in issues like low blood or fluid volume, circulatory failure, and heightened blood cell concentration. Phenolphthalein, a stimulant laxative for constipation relief, can lead to adverse effects such as diarrhea and colon dysfunction if consumed excessively.
Conversely, Unique Good Morning Candies comprise sibutramine, while Unique Good Night Candies contain sennosides, which are also used for alleviating constipation. The prolonged use of sennosides may cause sluggish bowel movements and dehydration.
In light of these findings, the SFA cautions individuals not to consume the identified products. As stated by the agency, “Those who have consumed the implicated products and have concerns about their health should seek medical advice.”
Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of being wary of the risks associated with consuming goods from unverified sources and encourages consumers to gather more information before making purchases.
Emphasizing its commitment to public health and safety, the SFA has vowed to take strict enforcement measures against individuals involved in the distribution of unsafe food products tainted with banned or unauthorized substances. Sale of unsafe food is strictly prohibited in Singapore and offenders may face fines of up to $5,000, or for repeat occurrences, fines of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to three months, or both.
Individuals with knowledge regarding the sale or supply of these unsafe food items are encouraged to report the information to the SFA via the website www.sfa.gov.sg/feedback.
