KUANTAN: The Health Ministry has banned the sale of Slymochoco or Slymchoco chocolate slimming products after they were found to contain Sibutramine, a type of chemical that acts as an appetite suppressant.
The ministry, in a statement, said data from an internationally recognised study known as "Sibutramine on Cardiovascular Outcome Study (SCOUT)", found the anti-obesity drug increases cardiovascular risk such as heart attack and stroke in obese patients who consume the medicine.
"The reported side effects of Sibutramine include the heart functions systems causing the heart to beat more rapidly even while resting. Apart from the severe side effects, the mild side effects are mouth dryness, nausea, constipation, sleeping difficulty, dizziness and others.
"Sibutramine is widely misused in food products for weight loss effect. The ministry has classified Sibutramine as a prohibited ingredient that is no longer registered with the Health Ministry," read the statement.
Under Section 13 of the Food Act 1983, those who provide or sell any food that contains any substance which is poisonous, harmful or otherwise injurious to health, commits an offence and shall be liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding RM100,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years or both.
Furthermore, the product label was found to be non-compliant with the labeling requirements under the Food Regulations 1985 whereby it was found without the product name in Bahasa Malaysia, no manufacturer name and address, packer, distributor, owner rights to manufacture,importer; and having a "premium" statement.
"The label displays a fake GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and the ministry's Food Safety is the Responsibility of the Industry certification scheme. Such products should not be advertised for sale and must not be sold as stated under Regulation 9 of the Food Regulations 1985.
"Inspections will be continued to ensure the food product is no longer sold or the prohibited substances are mixed with other products. All traders including those selling online who still have stock (of the product) are ordered to immediately stop the sales and contact the nearest district health office to confiscate the items.
"All advertising channels including e-commerce platforms and social media should stop broadcasting advertisements on the respective product. Those currently using the product should immediately stop using them and seek advice as well as treatment from health professionals," said the statement.
Consumers who have any concerns regarding food safety issues can contact the nearest District Health Office or State Health Department or the MOH via the website http://moh.spab.gov.my or the official Facebook page of the Food Safety and Quality Division (BKKM) at www.facebook.com/bkkmhq –
