Key takeaways
- Sellers and suppliers should note that the supply of health products must be in line with applicable health product regulations. The HSA will not hesitate to publish information on the adverse effects of health products, which may result in negative publicity for sellers and suppliers.
- Anyone who sells adulterated health products may face a fine of up to SGD 10,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
In more detail
The HSA's analysis of the first product, "通脉9骨胶柔Tong Mai 9 Gu Jiao Rou", found that it contained two potent medicinal ingredients, dexamethasone and piroxicam.
The consumer who used this health product suffered from a perforated gastric ulcer, requiring emergency surgery, and developed symptoms of Cushing's syndrome, including a round face, thinning of skin and easy skin bruising.
The second product, "EZ Empire Be Perfect", was found to contain two potent medicinal ingredients, cyproheptadine and dexamethasone.
The consumer who used this health product experienced a sudden onset of facial rashes and tiredness upon stopping the health product for three days. She was diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome and steroid withdrawal.
The third and fourth products, "Re5hape hi Morning" and "Re5hape bye Night", were found to contain banned or potent ingredients. The HSA found that "Re5hape hi Morning" contained the banned substance, sibutramine, and "Re5hape bye Night" contained sennoside, a laxative. The consumer who had taken the third and fourth products experienced chest pains after taking the products.
The HSA advises consumers to exercise caution when purchasing health products that label themselves as containing natural ingredients. It encourages consumers to buy only from reputable sources.
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