SINGAPORE — The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has recently discovered that V-SHOU Premium Coffee, a product sold on various local e-commerce platforms, contains sibutramine, a prescription-only weight loss drug banned in Singapore since 2010. This marks the second instance in two weeks where a coffee product has been found to contain the same prohibited substance.
Health Risks of Sibutramine
Sibutramine was once used as a weight loss medication but was banned due to its serious side effects. Its presence in V-SHOU Premium Coffee poses significant health risks, including:
IncreasedRisk of Heart Attack and Stroke: Sibutramine can elevate blood pressure and heart rate, heightening the risk of cardiovascular events.
Heart Problems: Users may experience severe heart complications.
Central Nervous System Disorders: Side effects can include psychosis, hallucinations, and seizures.
Product Claims and Ingredients
V-SHOU Premium Coffee was marketed as a weight-loss solution, claiming to accelerate fat burning, enhance metabolism, and control appetite. Its packaging listed ingredients such as white kidney bean extract and hoodia gordonii, the latter known for its appetite-suppressing properties. However, the product’s country of origin and formulation details remain unknown.
Regulatory Actions and Consumer Warnings
The SFA has taken immediate action by collaborating with online e-commerce platforms to remove listings of V-SHOU Premium Coffee. Warnings have been issued to sellers, directing them to cease the sale of the product.
Consumers who have purchased or consumed V-SHOU Premium Coffee are advised against using it. If health concerns arise, they should seek medical advice promptly. The SFA emphasizes caution when buying food products from unverified sources and encourages consumers to research thoroughly before making purchases.
Enforcement and Penalties
The SFA has reiterated its commitment to stringent enforcement against the sale of unsafe food products adulterated with banned substances. Individuals found guilty of selling such products face fines up to S$5,000 (approximately US$3,700). Repeat offenders could face fines up to S$10,000, imprisonment for up to three months, or both.
This recent discovery highlights the ongoing issue of banned substances being found in consumer products, underlining the need for vigilance and regulatory oversight in ensuring food safety.
