Two food products found to be adulterated with substances not allowed for use in food

           The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has detected two food products that have been adulterated with banned and/or medicinal substances that are not allowed in food. The two products are:

 2          The two products are sold on various local e-commerce platforms and marketed as weight loss products with claims of effective weight loss, appetite suppressant, detoxify, control hunger, help digestion, and acceleration of metabolism. SFA has worked with these online e-commerce platforms to remove the listings of the products and issued warnings to the respective sellers to stop selling the products with immediate effect.

3          Sennosides is used for the relief of constipation. Common side effects of Sennosides may include abdominal pain, spasms, diarrhoea, and low potassium levels in the blood leading to muscle weakness and/or cramps. Prolonged use of Sennosides may lead to a lazy bowel (bowel muscles become too relaxed leading to less frequent bowel emptying, which may lead to long-term constipation) and dehydration.

4             Sibutramine is listed in the Poisons Act (1938). It is a prescription only weight loss medicine banned in Singapore since 2010, due to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Other serious health consequences reported with its use include heart problems and central nervous system disorders (e.g. psychosis and hallucinations). Seizures have also been reported with sibutramine.

5            Details of the products are as follows:

6          SFA will not hesitate to take stern enforcement actions against anyone who sells and supplies unsafe food products that are adulterated with banned substances or potent ingredients. Under Section 15 of Singapore's Sale of Food Act, the sale of unsafe food is not permitted. Any person who contravenes any of the provisions of this Act shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or to both.

7          Consumers who have purchased the implicated products should not consume it. Those who have consumed the implicated products and have concerns about their health should seek medical advice. Consumers should also exercise caution and be mindful of the risks associated with consuming food bought from unknown or unverified sources and are advised to seek more information before making any purchase.

8          Members of the public who have any information on the sale and supply of this unsafe food product may write in to SFA at www.sfa.gov.sg/feedback.