Three weight loss products found to contain banned substances, sellers warned to stop selling
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has issued a warning to consumers about three weight loss products found to be adulterated with banned substances.
The products are Lemo A Detox Slimming Sachets, Lemo S Detox Slimming Sachets, and Lemo D Detox Slimming Sachets. All three products are from Malaysia
These products were marketed online with claims of boosting fat burning, promoting weight loss, and suppressing appetite.
Testing by SFA revealed the presence of sibutramine, a prescription-only medicine banned in Singapore since 2010 due to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, in Lemo A Detox Slimming Sachets and Lemo S Detox Slimming Sachets.
Sennosides, a laxative not approved for use in food products and can cause abdominal pain, cramps, and dehydration, was detected in the Lemo D Detox Slimming Sachets.
SFA has worked with e-commerce platforms to remove listings of the products and warned sellers to cease sales immediately. It is an offence to sell unsafe food in Singapore. Offenders can be fined up to $5,000, while repeat offenders can be fined up to $10,000, jailed for up to three months, or both.
Consumers who have purchased these products are advised to not consume them and to seek medical attention if they have already consumed them and are experiencing health concerns.
SFA also urges consumers to be cautious when buying food online.
Do not buy or consume food from sources you doubt are safe and be wary of products with exaggerated claims of weight loss or other health benefits.
Members of the public who have any information on the sale and supply of these unsafe food products may write in to SFA at www.sfa.gov.sg/feedback.
