Three weight-loss products found to contain banned substances: SFA

SINGAPORE - The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) on Oct 8 warned people not to consume three food products marketed for weight loss after they were found to contain banned substances.

The products are Lemo A Detox Slimming Sachets, Lemo S Detox Slimming Sachets – which both contain sibutramine – and Lemo D Detox Slimming Sachets, which contain sennosides. All three products are from Malaysia.

Sibutramine, a prescription-only weight-loss medicine, has been banned in Singapore since 2010 due to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke associated with its use. The prolonged consumption of sennoside, which is used for the relief of constipation, may lead to lazy bowel syndrome and dehydration.

All three products are sold on local e-commerce platforms and claim to suppress appetite, detoxify, help digestion, burn fat, accelerate metabolism and aid weight loss, said SFA.

The agency added it worked with e-commerce platforms to remove listings of the products and issued warnings to sellers to stop selling them immediately. It advised consumers who have bought the products not to take them. Those who have consumed the products and have concerns about their health should seek medical advice.

SFA also urged consumers to be mindful of the risks associated with consuming food bought online through e-commerce platforms, and advised them not to buy or consume any food if they have doubts about its source and safety. The agency said it “will not hesitate to take stern enforcement action against anyone who sells and supplies unsafe food products that have been adulterated with banned substances and/or medicinal substances that are not allowed in food”.

It is an offence to sell unsafe food in Singapore. Offenders can be fined up to $5,000, while repeat offenders can be fined up to $10,000, jailed for up to three months, or both. Those with information on the sale and supply of these unsafe food products can write to SFA at

www.sfa.gov.sg/feedback