The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has said that three food products marketed for weight loss, Lemo A Detox slimming sachets, Lemo S Detox slimming sachets, and Lemo D Detox slimming sachets contain banned substances.
The agency warned the public against the use of the products, which were originally manufactured in Malaysia.
NAFDAC’s warning is contained in a Public Alert No. 044/2024 published on the agency’s website.
According to the agency, the Malaysian Ministry of Health and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has also warned against the use of the products which were discovered to contain banned medicinal substances of sibutramine and sennosides.
“The product is being sold on various e-commerce platforms and marketed as an effective weight loss product with claims to suppress appetite, detoxify, help digestion, burn fats and accelerate metabolism.
“Sibutramine increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, among other health consequences. Side effects of sibutramine include anxiety, headaches, dizziness, abdominal pain, and palpitations.
“However, the prolonged consumption of sennoside, which is used for the relief of constipation, may lead to stomach pain, diarrhoea, nausea and lazy bowel syndrome and dehydration,” NAFDAC said.
The agency stated that sibutramine was initially developed to treat depression but was used for treating obesity on weight loss effects.
“However, sales and usage of sibutramine was suspended worldwide since 2010 after reports of serious side effects such as strokes and cardiovascular disorders,” the agency said.
It added that sennoside is an effective remedy for diarrhoea but usage as a food ingredient was banned as it may cause side effects (such as stomachaches and vomiting) on excessive intake and may cause stomach cramps, chronic constipation and intestinal disorders over the long run.
“Please, note that this product is not registered by NAFDAC. It is marketed and sold online.
Members of the public in possession of the above product are advised to discontinue sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office’
