SFA urges public to avoid 7 drink products found with banned medicinal substances
Seven beverages sold in Singapore have been found to contain medicinal substances not permitted in food.
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has advised the public not to purchase or consume these products.
In a statement issued on Nov 14, the SFA identified the affected drinks as Berryshine Pure Enzyme Fiber with Prebiotics and six flavours of BUM Energy Drinks: Blue Snow Cone, Champion Mentality, Peach Mango, Cherry Frost, Citrus Burst, and Orange Sunrise.
These products were available on various local e-commerce platforms.
The Berryshine drink, marketed as a fibre enzyme beverage, contains sennosides, a medication typically used to treat constipation or to clear the bowel prior to surgery.
Side effects of sennosides include abdominal pain, cramps, and diarrhoea.
Additionally, while the product is labelled as being from Singapore, the SFA revealed it originates from Malaysia.
The BUM Energy Drinks contain citicoline, a substance used in the treatment of strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and neurological disorders.
Potential side effects include insomnia, headaches, dizziness, changes in blood pressure, and shortness of breath.
These drinks are imported from the United States.
The SFA has collaborated with e-commerce platforms to remove these listings and has issued warnings to the sellers, instructing them to cease all sales immediately.
Consumers who have consumed these drinks and have concerns about their health are encouraged to seek medical advice.
The agency also reminded the public to exercise caution when purchasing food products from unknown or unverified sources.
To report the sale and supply of unsafe food products to SFA, go to www.sfa.gov.sg/feedback.
