The Department of Health (DH) today (October 16) urged the public not to buy or consume a slimming product named MEIXING as it was found to contain an undeclared controlled ingredient.

     Acting upon a public enquiry, the DH collected a sample of the above product for analysis. Test results from the Government Laboratory confirmed that the sample contained N-desmethylsibutramine.

     "N-desmethylsibutramine is structurally similar to sibutramine, and both of them are Part 1 poisons under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138). Sibutramine was once used as an appetite suppressant. Since November 2010, products containing sibutramine have been banned in Hong Kong because of increased cardiovascular risk. N-desmethylsibutramine is expected to pose similar health risks," a spokesman for the DH said.

     According to the Ordinance, illegal sale or possession of Part 1 poison is a criminal offence. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.

     The DH urged the public not to buy or consume products of doubtful composition. Those who have purchased the above product should stop taking it immediately and consult healthcare professionals if in doubt or feeling unwell after consumption. They can submit the product to the Drug Office at Room 1856, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal. 

     The public may visit the Drug Office's pages for health messages on weight control and slimming products (www.drugoffice.gov.hk/eps/do/en/consumer/slim.html) and information on products found to contain undeclared Western medicines (www.drugoffice.gov.hk/eps/specMedsNews/slimming/en/consumer).

     "Weight control should be achieved through a balanced diet and appropriate exercise. The public should consult healthcare professionals before using any medication for weight control," the spokesman advised.

Ends/Monday, October 16, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:32

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