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SINGAPORE: Singapore's Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has recalled a batch of the capsule form of a popular medicine for indigestion, Po Chai Pills.
They were found to have trace amounts of substances controlled under the Poisons Act.
Hong Kong authorities also acted on the HSA's findings and pulled the product off the shelves.
The two substances are phenolphthalein and sibutramine.
Phenolphthalein is a laxative used for relieving constipation and increasing bowel movement.
Sibutramine is a slimming agent that's used with other modes of weight control such as diet and exercise in overweight and obese patients who have risk factors such as diabetes.
The HSA said it decided to recall the affected batch on March 8 even though the capsules only contained trace amounts that were not enough to cause serious harm.
So far, only one batch of such capsules had been brought into Singapore.
The local subsidiary of the Hong Kong-based manufacturer Li Chung Shing Tong has recalled some 2,000 packs of the capsules after they first went on sale in December last year.
The traditional Po Chai Pills that come as small pills are not affected.
HSA tests found them to be safe for consumption.
Those who have bought the affected capsules are advised to return them to the retailers or supplier. - CNA/vm
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