Vietnam takes action on health supplements containing banned substance
Vietnam’s authorities have issued a recall for two health supplements, “Dáng xuân Phục linh Gold” and “Best Slim Collagen,” after both were found to contain Sibutramine, a banned substance linked to severe health risks. Despite the recall, these products continue to be advertised online, raising concerns about their availability to unsuspecting consumers, according to news reports.
The Food Safety Department flagged “Dáng xuân Phục linh Gold” for lacking proper registration, noting discrepancies in the packaging, including an incorrect registration number. Meanwhile, “Best Slim Collagen,” linked to Hoa Anh Đào Medical Equipment Co., Ltd., is still circulating despite the company’s claim that it did not import the contaminated batch.
Sibutramine, once a popular ingredient in weight loss drugs, has been prohibited in several countries due to its association with increased risks of stroke and heart complications. In Vietnam, the Drug Administration banned its import in 2010, leading to the suspension of all related products.
Authorities are stepping up efforts to combat the sale of counterfeit or recalled products, instructing agencies to remove online advertisements and prevent their distribution. The Ministry of Health has intensified its scrutiny of functional foods and health supplements, with a particular focus on products that mislead consumers by promising therapeutic effects similar to prescription drugs.
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