Key takeaways
The HSA not only conducts surveillance on health products found locally but also monitors overseas enforcement actions. To better protect local consumers from harmful health products that can be found overseas and online, the HSA issues updates for consumers on products that may pose a threat to public health.
The HSA's close monitoring of noncompliant health products in other countries and overseas regulators' actions indicates that potential noncompliance in other jurisdictions may lead to knock-on risks in Singapore (e.g., negative publicity and potential perception in Singapore that the health products are adulterated).
Sellers and suppliers of health products should note that anyone who supplies adulterated health products in Singapore may face a fine of up to SGD 100,000 and/or imprisonment for up to three years.
In more detail
The HSA published a consolidated list of health products that were found and reported by health regulators overseas (including regulators in Canada, Thailand, United States, Myanmar and Hong Kong).
The health products that were found to include potent ingredients range from sexual wellness to cosmetic products. The HSA also provided a brief explanation of the possible side effects of the potent ingredients found in these health products. The full list of health products and their respective side effects can be found here.
The HSA has advised members of the public to refrain from purchasing these products when overseas and to exercise caution when buying health products online or from unfamiliar sources (especially from overseas suppliers), regardless of whether they were recommended by friends or relatives. It also warns consumers to be careful of products guaranteeing quick and miraculous results or making exaggerated claims (for e.g., "100% safe" or "no side effects"). Consumers should also be cautious of products that produce unexpected quick recovery from medical conditions.
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