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 or counterfeit health products may face a fine of up to SGD 100,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both.
In depth
The HSA's analysis of the first product, "ayukalp Mahayograj Guggulu," revealed that it contained levels of lead exceeding the permissible limit for traditional medicines by 6,000 times.
The consumer who used this adulterated health product experienced fatigue, shortness of breath during physical exertion, and chest discomfort. The consumer was later diagnosed with anemia due to lead poisoning and was hospitalized.
The counterfeit "LACTOGG" capsules, on the other hand, were found to not have the probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG that was listed on the package.
Two consumers of this product reported abdominal discomfort, vomiting and diarrhea, whereas their two-year-old child who also consumed the product developed high fever and had abnormal-colored feces.
The consumers were only alerted to the counterfeit "LACTOGG" capsules when they discovered irregularities in the printing on the product packaging and discoloration of the powdered contents in the capsules. These capsules were purchased from an e-commerce platform through a seller offering them at significantly lower prices than the authentic product available in healthcare institutions, medical clinics, licensed retail pharmacies and established retailers.
The HSA advises consumers to exercise caution when purchasing health products online or from unfamiliar sources. It encourages consumers to buy only from reputable pharmacies or retailer websites, or those with an established presence in Singapore.
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