Two persons arrested for illegal sale of slimming product with undeclared drug ingredient (with photo)
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Acting upon intelligence, a sample of the above product was purchased via an Internet platform for analysis. The test result from the Government Laboratory revealed that the sample contained sibutramine, which is a banned drug ingredient. The DH's investigation is continuing.
Sibutramine is a Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138) that was once used as an appetite suppressant. Since November 2010, pharmaceutical products containing sibutramine have been banned in Hong Kong because of an increased cardiovascular risk.
According to the Ordinance, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be legally sold in the market. Illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
The DH spokesman strongly urged members of the public not to buy products of unknown or doubtful composition, or to consume products from unknown sources. Members of the public who have purchased the above product should stop consuming it immediately. They should consult healthcare professionals for advice if feeling unwell after consumption.
The spokesman added that 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. They may visit the DH Drug Office's pages for health messages on weight control and slimming products and information on slimming products with undeclared Western drug ingredients.
The public may submit the above product to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1801, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.
Ends/Thursday, November 12, 2020
Issued at HKT 18:30
Issued at HKT 18:30
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