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, Malaysia, Thailand and Switzerland) to contain potent ingredients, including mercury, steroids, prescription medicines and other controlled substances.
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
- To better protect local consumers rom potentially harmful health products available both overseas and online, the HSA not only conducts local surveillance but also keeps an eye on 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 show 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.).
- 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.
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