S’pore finds laxative substance in M’sian weight-loss product

S’pore finds laxative substance in M’sian weight-loss product

The republic’s food agency says there are serious health risks associated with the use of sennosides found in ‘Susenji Mofa+’.

‘Susenji Mofa+’ was found to contain sennosides, while ‘Fabulous Boom Chocolate Flavour’ was found to contain sibutramine. (SFA pics)
PETALING JAYA:
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has warned consumers against purchasing or consuming a Malaysian-made weight-loss product known as “Susenji Mofa+” after the detection of sennosides, a medicine used to treat constipation.

Sennosides can cause abdominal pain, spasms, diarrhoea, and low potassium levels, potentially leading to muscle weakness or cramps.

‘Fabulous Boom Chocolate Flavour’.

The SFA also flagged “Fabulous Boom Chocolate Flavour” for containing sibutramine, a weight-loss drug banned in Singapore due to its link to the increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Although “Fabulous Boom Chocolate Flavour” did not explicitly state its country of origin, SFA-released images showed the MeSTI certification logo on its packaging. This certification is mandatory for food manufacturing companies in Malaysia.

In a statement, SFA said it had worked with online e-commerce platforms to remove product listings and instructed sellers to immediately stop selling the products.

“SFA will not hesitate to take stern enforcement action against anyone who sells and supplies unsafe food products that are adulterated with banned substances or potent ingredients,” it said.

The sale of unsafe food is prohibited under Section 15 of Singapore’s Sale of Food Act.

Those found guilty of contravening the provisions of the act may be fined up to S$5,000 (RM17,400) for the first offence.

For subsequent convictions, they could be fined up to S$10,000 (RM34,900), jailed for a term not exceeding three months, or both.

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