Izah Azahari
A food product in the local market was recently found to contain a harmful substance prohibited under the Public Health Regulations, said the Ministry of Health (MoH) in a statement yesterday.
Belgian weight loss chocolate powdered drink mix CoCo Curv, distributed by Fit One Global in Malaysia, was found by the Department of Scientific Laboratory Services to contain sibutramine, a weight loss agent no longer recommended for use in the treatment of obesity due to its harmful effects on the heart and liver.
Ingestion of the substance can cause serious adverse effects, such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and difficulty in sleeping; and in the worst case, damage to the kidneys and liver.
The ministry advised consumers of CoCo Curv to discontinue the use of the product immediately and surrender it to the Food Safety and Quality Control Division at the Environmental Health Services Department to be destroyed.
A similar call was made to importers and retailers of the product.
Meanwhile, the MoH warned against selling or importing food items that are harmful to health or face a fine or five years’ jail term or both, under Section 9, Chapter 182 of the Public Health (Food) Act.The public is also reminded that it is an offence under Section 17, Chapter 114 of the Poisons Act 1956 to sell products containing controlled substances. Individuals who violate the provision may be liable to a BND8,000 fine or six months’ imprisonment.
Additionally, those who commit a negligible act that results in the endangerment of a human life may be fined BND16,000 and 12 months’ jail term. Information on the importation of food products can be obtained from the Food Safety and Quality Control Division by contacting the agency at 2237417.
