Banned weight loss substance that increases risk of heart attack, stroke found in coffee premix

SINGAPORE: Sibutramine, a weight loss substance banned in Singapore, has been detected in a food product sold on various local e-commerce platforms, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said on Monday (Jul 15).

Consumers are advised not to purchase or consume ChoCo Premix Coffee, which lists chocolate and hoodia gordonii extract among its ingredients. Hoodia gordonii has been touted as an appetite suppressant.

Marketed as a weight loss product, ChoCo Premix Coffee made several claims, including weight loss, avoidance of muscle loss, acceleration of fat burning, fat removal, reduction in hunger, improvements in constipation, repair muscle and increase muscle mass.

While the product's packaging says it is "formulated in USA", its country of origin is unknown and not listed.

"SFA has worked with various online e-commerce platforms to remove the listings of the product and issued warnings to the respective sellers to stop selling the product with immediate effect," said the agency.

Sibutramine is a prescription-only weight loss medicine that has been banned in Singapore since 2010, due to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Other serious health consequences reported with its use include central nervous system disorders, such as psychosis and hallucinations, and heart problems.

Seizures have also been reported with sibutramine.

SFA advised those who have bought ChoCo Premix Coffee to not consume it, while those who have done so should seek medical advice if they have concerns about their health.

"Consumers should also exercise caution and be mindful of the risks associated with consuming food bought from unknown or unverified sources and are advised to seek more information before making any purchase," said SFA.

The agency added it will not hesitate to take stern enforcement actions against anyone who sells and supplies unsafe food products that are adulterated with banned substances or potent ingredients.

Those found guilty face a fine not exceeding S$5,000 (US$3,700). If there is a second or subsequent conviction, a person may be fined up to S$10,000, jailed for up to three months, or both.