[ad_1]
SINGAPORE – Mone Macha Cocoa slimming product, which comes in chewable tablet form, has been found to contain a banned substance that increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Sibutramine, which was previously a prescription-only weight loss drug in Singapore, was banned in 2010 due to its adverse health effects, which could also include insomnia, hallucinations, and hearing voices.
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said on Wednesday (October 14) that the public should not buy or consume Mone Macha Cocoa, adding that all vendors and suppliers should stop selling the product immediately.
According to the HSA, a member of the public reported experiencing extreme thirst and rapid heartbeat after consuming the product.
Another consumer raised suspicions to the HSA that the product might contain potent ingredients after seeing their claims to “decrease fat absorption” and “increase fat metabolism.”
The product was sold on e-commerce platforms such as Carousell, Lazada, Shopee, and Qoo10, and social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.
The HSA has issued warnings to the sellers of Mone Macha Cocoa and has directed the respective website administrators to remove the affected listings.
Consumers are advised to stop taking these products immediately and to consult a doctor if they feel ill or are concerned about their health.
In response to inquiries from The Straits Times, HSA said that the distribution and manufacturing information on the packaging was likely falsified because the product is illegal.
“It is not known where it was manufactured, or how it was manufactured and stored,” he added.
The HSA said the public should beware of health products that carry exaggerated claims.
“There is no quick and easy way to lose weight. Weight control must be achieved through a combination of a balanced diet and proper exercise,” added the authority.
This is not the first time that HSA has issued a warning on weight loss products.
On September 12, the agency said that four weight loss products sold on e-commerce sites and social media platforms were found to contain banned substances or laxatives.
Three of the products, Nutriline Thinsline, KiMiSo Dark Chocolate, and Wholly Fitz Passion Lemon Tea, contained sibutramine, while the fourth, Nutriline Cleansline, contained the laxative sennoside.
Sellers and suppliers of products with prohibited and harmful ingredients will be prosecuted. If convicted, they can be jailed for up to two years or fined up to $ 10,000 or both.
[ad_2]
