Singapore Food Agency Warns Against Weight-Loss Coffee Product Containing Banned Substance
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has issued a public advisory warning against the purchase and consumption of KetoDiet Coffee, a weight-loss coffee product found to contain the banned substance sibutramine. The product, manufactured in Malaysia, was sold online and marketed with claims of providing an energy boost and instant fat breakdown.
Sibutramine, a prescription-only weight loss medicine, has been banned in Singapore since 2010 due to its potential health risks. Consumption of the substance can lead to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other health conditions, including central nervous system disorders, such as psychosis and hallucinations. Additionally, sibutramine has been known to induce seizures.
The SFA advises consumers who have purchased the coffee to avoid consuming it and those who have already consumed the product and have health concerns to seek medical advice. The agency has worked with online e-commerce platforms to remove the product listings, and sellers have been warned to stop selling it immediately.
The SFA emphasized that it will take stern enforcement actions against anyone who sells and supplies unsafe food products adulterated with banned substances or potent ingredients. Under the Sale of Food Act, the sale of unsafe food is not permitted in Singapore, and offenders may face fines of up to S$5,000. Repeat offenders may be fined up to S$10,000 or jailed for up to three months, or both.
The SFA urges consumers to exercise caution when purchasing food products from unknown or unverified sources and to research products thoroughly before making a purchase. Anyone with information on the sale and supply of this product can submit their feedback to the SFA via an online form.
By taking a proactive approach to ensuring food safety, the SFA aims to protect the health and well-being of consumers in Singapore.