In a press release published on Sep. 26, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) alerted the public to not purchase nor consume the "S Gold Coffee" product.
This is because the product contains a banned substance which is harmful to the consumer's health.
Sold online for slimming purposes
The coffee powder was marketed to have slimming effects, and was sold online on social media platforms and local e-commerce websites.
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HSA was alerted to the sale of the product when a member of the public became suspicious after her appetite was significantly reduced after consuming the product.
HSA's test on the product revealed that the coffee contained sibutramine, a banned substance.
Sibutramine has been banned in Singapore since 2010 due to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Previously, sibutramine was used as a prescription medication for weight loss.
HSA has since asked the respective website administrators to remove the sale listings for the coffee product.
"Beneficial" effects were actually harmful side effects
The product also had misleading claims about the supposedly beneficial effects of the coffee powder.
For example, the product's marketing peripherals said that experiencing headaches and heart palpitations showed that "the product is working towards internal detoxing and helps to improve blood circulation".
In fact, these were the side effects of the banned substance.
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It is illegal to sell and supply products which contain potent medicinal ingredients or banned substances.
All sellers and suppliers are ordered to stop selling ‘S Gold Coffee’ immediately.
Sellers and suppliers are liable to prosecution and if convicted, they may be imprisoned for up to 2 years, fined up to $5,000 or both.
Consumers are also advised to stop taking the product immediately and to seek medical attention if they feel unwell or are concerned about their health being impacted.
HSA also warned consumers to be skeptical of products making exaggerated claims.
Top image via HSA's press release
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