HSA Alert: 'Serifa Beauty Solidmolid' and 'LKS Coffee' Sold Online Found to Contain Banned Substance, Causing Adverse Effects

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is alerting members of the public not to purchase or consume ‘SERIFA BEAUTY SOLIDMOLID’ and ‘LKS Coffee’ as they have been tested to contain a banned substance, sibutramine, which can pose serious health risks. Please refer to Annex A for photos of the products.

2     HSA was alerted to the sale of ‘SERIFA BEAUTY SOLIDMOLID’ and ‘LKS Coffee’ by consumers who experienced adverse effects. One consumer experienced rapid heartbeat after taking ‘SERIFA BEAUTY SOLIDMOLID’. Other consumers who took ‘LKS Coffee’ experienced sudden weight loss and loss of appetite. Both products were sold on e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Carousell and social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. HSA has issued warnings to the sellers and directed the respective website administrators to take down the affected listings.

3     HSA’s tests revealed that the products contained sibutramine, which used to be a prescription medicine for weight loss but has been banned in Singapore since 2010 due to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Other serious adverse effects reported by consumers who took products adulterated with sibutramine include insomnia, hallucinations and hearing voices.

4     Both ‘SERIFA BEAUTY SOLIDMOLID’ and ‘LKS Coffee’ were marketed as slimming products containing natural ingredients. ‘SERIFA BEAUTY SOLIDMOLID’ was marketed to “burn fats up to 10X” while ‘LKS Coffee’ was marketed to be able to “accelerate fat burning”, “promote metabolism” and “achieve the perfect slimming effect”.

Advisory to consumers

5     Consumers are advised to stop taking these two products immediately and see a doctor if they feel unwell or are concerned about their health. Consumers are also advised to be wary of products that make exaggerated claims such as “burn fats up to 10X” and “accelerate fat burning” or deliver unexpectedly quick effects. They could contain potent ingredients that can seriously harm your health.

Advisory to sellers and suppliers

6     All sellers and suppliers must stop selling these products immediately. It is illegal to sell and supply products containing banned substances. Sellers and suppliers are liable to prosecution and if convicted, may be imprisoned for up to 2 years and/or fined up to $10,000.

7     Members of the public who have any information on the sale and supply of these illegal products may contact HSA's Enforcement Branch at Tel: 6866-3485 during office hours (Monday to Friday) or email: hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg.

HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE
29 JUNE 2020 

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Published: 29 Jun 2020

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