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Weight loss drinks in S'pore found to contain laxative that causes 'lazy bowel' syndrome, SFA warns
“Lazy bowel” is when bowel muscles become too relaxed leading to less frequent bowel emptying.
February 15, 2025, 02:00 PM
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has removed two food products from online marketplaces after finding that they have been adulterated with substances that are not allowed in food.
The products—Susenji Mofa+ and Fabulous Boom Chocolate Flavour—were found to contain sennosides and sibutramine, respectively.
Both are marketed as weight-loss aids, promising benefits such as appetite suppression, detoxification, and metabolism acceleration.
Sennosides is commonly used as a laxative for constipation relief.
They can cause side effects such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and low potassium levels, which may lead to muscle weakness and cramps.
Prolonged use can result in a “lazy bowel” where bowel muscles become too relaxed leading to less frequent bowel emptying.
This increases the risk of chronic constipation.
Susenji Mofa+ was found to contain sennosides. Image via SFA.
Sibutramine, a prescription-only weight-loss drug, has been banned in Singapore since 2010 due to its association with increased risks of heart attack and stroke.
Other severe side effects include heart problems, central nervous system disorders such as psychosis and hallucinations, and seizures.
The SFA found sibutramine in Fabulous Boom Chocolate Flavour. Image via SFA.
Regular surveillance of products
SFA said that it conducts regular surveillance of food products in the market under its Market Monitoring Programme (MMP) and acts on feedback received from the public on potential food safety concerns.
In this particular case, SFA tested Susenji MOFA+ from the online platform www.susenji.com.sg based on feedback from a consumer, and detected sennosides in the product.
The SFA subsequently worked with local e-commerce platforms to remove these products and has issued warnings to sellers to cease sales immediately.
Fines of up to S$5,000
The agency also warned that individuals who are found selling unsafe food products could face fines of up to S$5,000 for a first offence and up to S$10,000 or three months' imprisonment for repeat offences.
Consumers who have purchased these products are advised not to consume them.
Those who experience health concerns after consumption should seek medical advice.
The SFA urged consumers to exercise caution when purchasing food products from unverified sources.
Members of the public with information on the sale of these products are encouraged to report it via SFA’s feedback portal.
Top image from SFA.
