Banned weight loss substance that increases heart attack, stroke risk found in coffee sachets
This is the second coffee product in as many weeks that the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has found to contain sibutramine.
V-SHOU Premium Coffee has been found to contain sibutramine. (Photo: Singapore Food Agency)
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SINGAPORE: A prescription-only weight loss medicine that has been banned in Singapore since 2010 has been detected in a coffee product sold on various local e-commerce platforms, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said on Wednesday (Jul 24).
Consumers are advised not to purchase or consume V-SHOU Premium Coffee as it contains sibutramine, a substance that is known to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Other serious health consequences reported with sibutramine's use include heart problems, central nervous system disorders such as psychosis and hallucinations, and seizures.
Marketed as a weight-loss product, V-SHOU Premium Coffee made several claims, such as accelerated fat burning, enhanced metabolism, quicker slimming results, as well as soothing the digestive system and controlling appetite.
White kidney bean extract and hoodia gordonii, which has been touted as an appetite suppressant, are among its listed ingredients.
The product's packaging does not state where it was formulated and its country of origin is unknown.
"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," the agency said.
SFA advised those who have bought V-SHOU Premium Coffee not to 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 the agency.
This is the second coffee product in as many weeks that SFA has found to contain sibutramine.
The agency stated it will not hesitate to take strict enforcement actions against anyone who sells and supplies unsafe food products 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.
