Singapore Food Agency Finds Banned Substances In Malaysian-Made Weight Loss Products
The SFA has warned that sennosides and sibutramine are medicinal substances prohibited in food.
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has found banned substances in two Malaysian-made weight loss products sold on local e-commerce platforms
In a statement on Tuesday, 11 February, the SFA reported detecting sennosides in Susenji MOFA+ and sibutramine in Fabulous Boom Chocolate Flavour, products that are marketed for weight loss originating from companies based in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.
Both products claim to aid weight loss, suppress appetite, detoxify, control hunger, improve digestion, and boost metabolism.
However, the SFA has warned that sennosides and sibutramine are medicinal substances prohibited in food.
Image via Singapore Food Agency (SFA) (Facebook)
The agency said sennosides, typically used as a relief for constipation, may cause abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhoea, and low potassium levels leading to muscle weakness
It added that prolonged use of sennosides could result in dehydration and lazy bowel syndrome, where a person's bowels become too relaxed, which may lead to less frequent bowel-emptying and long-term constipation.
Meanwhile, sibutramine is a prescription-only weight loss drug listed in Singapore's Poisons Act 1938. It was banned in Singapore since 2010 and can increase one's risk of heart attack and stroke. Other reported side effects include heart problems, central nervous system disorders (such as psychosis and hallucinations), and seizures.
While Susenji MOFA+ was clearly labeled as a Malaysian product, Fabulous Boom did not specify its country of origin. However, images of the packaging show a MeSTI logo, a Malaysian food safety certification.
Image via Singapore Food Agency (SFA) (Facebook)
The SFA said it has worked with e-commerce platforms to remove the listings of these products, and issued warnings to their respective sellers to cease sales immediately
The agency has also advised consumers who have purchased these products to not consume them and to seek medical advice if they experience any health concerns.
SAYS has reached out to both Malaysian companies for comment but has yet to receive a reply.
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