In more detail
The HSA published a consolidated list of health products that were found and reported by health regulators overseas (including those in the US, Australia, Canada and Hong Kong) to contain potent ingredients.
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 advises the public to avoid purchasing any of the listed products while overseas and to exercise caution when buying health products online or from unknown sources. It recommends that consumers only purchase health products from well-established retailers in Singapore.
Key takeaways
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, imprisonment for up to three years, or both.
To enhance the protection of local consumers from potentially harmful health products available both overseas and online, the HSA conducts local surveillance and monitors overseas enforcement actions. The HSA provides updates to consumers about products that could pose public health risks.
The HSA's close monitoring of noncompliant health products in other countries and of overseas regulators' actions shows that potential noncompliance in other jurisdictions may lead to knock-on risks in Singapore (e.g., negative publicity, potential perception in Singapore that the health products are adulterated, etc.).
If sellers and suppliers of health products in Singapore become subject to investigations or enforcement in other countries, they should consider whether the products being supplied and distributed in Singapore are affected. If so, they must consider whether any product defect or adverse event reporting obligations are triggered.
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