Health | SSM issues warning for hazardous weight loss product

The Health Bureau (SSM) has issued a warning to all citizens about a weight loss product dubbed “Sin Den Beauty”, which contains two chemical compounds that authorities consider health hazards.

The SSM notice, which urges citizens not to buy or consume the product, follows a similar warning made by Hong Kong health authorities.
According to the notice, the hazardous compounds – sibutramine and phenolphthalein – act as an appetite suppressant and a laxative, respectively. The product may increase the risk of contracting cancer and cardiovascular disease, and can cause rashes, allergies, colitis, dermatitis and excessive bleeding.

SSM stated that it is illegal to import the product to the region, in view of its health hazards. It will closely monitor the situation to ensure the product is not still being illegally imported and circulated on a small scale.
SSM added that any citizens who have already purchased the product must immediately cease consumption and deliver the remaining product to the SSM’s Pharmaceutical Affairs Department, which is located om the second floor of the China Plaza Building.