HSA warns public over three ‘health’ drinks with banned, harmful substances causing serious side effects
Choco Lose for Fitness (L) and Valentus Slimroast Optimum Dark Roast Coffee (R), two of three "health" drinks the Health Sciences Authority has warned the public not to buy, as they contain either banned or harmful substances.
SINGAPORE — The public were warned on Friday (Nov 29) not to buy three “health” drinks found to contain banned or addictive substances that can cause serious side effects, including heart attacks, strokes and psychiatric conditions.
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said in a media statement that it had received complaints from customers who fell sick after consuming Milan Latte, Choco Lose for Fitness or Valentus Slimroast Optimum Dark Roast Coffee.
The authority advises consumers to stop taking these products immediately, and to see a doctor if they feel unwell or are concerned about their health.
These products were marketed, among other things, to decrease the growth of cancer cells, to burn fats quickly and to metabolise fat to energy.
The HSA said that customers had reported feeling a drastic loss in appetite, breathlessness, heart palpitations, giddiness and nausea.
Tests by the authority found that both Milan Latte and Choco Lose for Fitness contained sibutramine, an illegal ingredient.
The HSA said sibutramine was previously a prescription weight loss medicine, but was banned in Singapore in 2010 due to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Meanwhile, tests on Valentus Slimroast Optimum Dark Roast Coffee found that it contained phenethylamine.
This is a potent ingredient that has a “stimulatory effect on the brain”, said the authority, and can be potentially addictive.
HSA added that phenethylamine can cause a consumer to experience rapid heartbeat, psychiatric conditions such as hallucinations and agitation, liver and kidney failure or even death.
“Consumers are also advised to be wary of products that make exaggerated claims,” said the HSA. “They could potentially contain undeclared ingredients which can seriously harm your health.”
The authority has since directed a beauty retailer along Haig Road, Queens Beauty.SG, and several e-commerce sites to stop selling these products.
It also warned all sellers and suppliers to stop selling these products immediately if they have them in stock.
“It is illegal to sell and supply such products, which contain potent medicinal ingredients or banned substances,” said the HSA.
Anyone caught selling these products can be jailed for up to two years, fined up to S$10,000 or both.
