SINGAPORE: The Singapore Food Agency ( SFA ) has detected banned substances in three “detox slimming” food products sold online, it said in a media release on Tuesday ( Oct 8 ).
The items, found on different local e-commerce systems, are marketed as weight loss products for fat burning, appetite suppression and accelerating digestion, among other states.  ,
Sibutramine, a prescription-only weight-loss medication that has been banned in Singapore since 2010, was discovered in two of them: Lemo A Detox Slimming Sachets and Lemo S Detox Slimming Sachets. Sibutramine increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, among various health outcomes.
SFA reported that the next product, Lemo D Detox Slimming Sachets, contained sennosides, which are used for bloating comfort and are not considered to be safe to use in food products. Its typical side effects include tremors and chest pain.  ,
All three items originated from Malaysia, added SFA.
Fa stated that it has worked with e-commerce platforms to reduce the product advertisements. Additionally, it issued instructions to the buyers to stop selling the goods right away.
It further stated that it will not hesitate to take strict police action against anyone who sells  and resources unsafe food items that have been contaminated with prohibited or medicinal ingredients that are not permitted in food.  ,
Under Section 15 of Singapore’s Price of Food Act,  , the sales of illegal food is not allowed, said SFA. Violators may be fined up to S$ 5, 000, and repeat criminals may be fined up to S$ 10, 000 or jailed for up to three months, or both.
SFA advised those who have purchased the alleged items to refrain from using them, while those who have and are concerned about their health should seek medical attention.
Buyers should also be cautious and aware of the dangers associated with purchasing meals from e-commerce sites. Consumers are advised not to purchase or take any food if they are uncertain of its resource and security.