Those who import or sell health supplements are required to inform the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and declare the ingredients in the supplements, but the authority has no record of any of the 28 problematic products. -- ST FILE PHOTO
NONE of the close to 30 weight-loss products that the United States government warned its consumers against are sold here in Singapore.
Those who import or sell health supplements are required to inform the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and declare the ingredients in the supplements, but the authority has no record of any of the 28 problematic products.
One of the products, Extrim Plus, shares a similar name to two other slimming products that was previously sold in Singapore, Extrim and Extrim X.
But Extrim Plus appears to have been made by a different company.
And it has not been brought in here, said the former distributor of Extrim and Extrim X, DKSH Healthcare.
The distributor has also stopped bringing in both Extrim and Extrim X last year.
However, the problematic products remain available through websites.
The United States Food and Drug Administration tested them and found that many, despite being supposedly herbal, contained potent appetite-suppressing drugs and even a suspected carcinogen.
The HSA said that it was on the lookout for these products, and asked those who spot them to call 6866-3485 or e-mail hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg.
