by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 23: The Ministry of Health has ordered a halt to the sale of Apple S brand candies which were found to have contained sibutramine, a banned appetite suppressant substance.
In a statement released by Bernama, the ministry through the Food Safety and Quality Programme (PKKM) said it found that the Apple S brand candies contained sibutramine, a type of substance used to control appetite.
It explained that sibutramine is a chemical compound that acts on the brain as an appetite suppressant and is commonly used in weight management products. This substance is prohibited here and is no longer registered with the Ministry of Health.
“Among reported side effects of sibutramine are disturbances in heart function, such as causing an increased heart rate (tachycardia) even at rest. In addition to serious side effects, there are also mild side effects such as dry mouth, nausea, constipation, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, menstrual cramps, and so on,” it said.
“The product (Apple S) was found to have not complied with the labeling requirements under the Food Regulations 1985, including the absence of the product’s real name in Bahasa Malaysia, as well as the lack of information regarding the manufacturer, packer, distributor, or the owner of the products and importer.
“Therefore, this product is not allowed to be advertised or sold according to Regulation 9, Food Regulations 1985,” it said.
It instructed all traders, including online traders who still have stock of the product, to immediately cease the sale of all such products and contact the nearest District Health Office to surrender these products.
All advertising media, including e-commerce platforms and social media, must also cease broadcasting advertisements for this food product.
Consumers who are currently using this product are urged to stop using it immediately and seek advice and treatment from health professionals.
The public is reminded to always exercise caution and be careful when purchasing food products that might be mixed with prohibited substances.
If consumers have any doubts regarding any food safety issues, they can contact the nearest District Health Office or State Health Department or contact KKM through http://moh.spab.gov.my or the Food Safety and Quality Division (BKKM) Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bkkmhq. – DayakDaily
