Additional Unauthorized Weight Loss Products Seized from Richmond, B.C. Store (Cube Inc.)
Information Update
2012-197
December 20, 2012
For immediate release
2012-197
December 20, 2012
For immediate release
OTTAWA - Further to our previous communications,
Health Canada is advising Canadians that three additional unauthorized
products promoted for weight loss have been seized from the "Cube Inc."
store in Richmond, B.C.
Health Canada's testing of these products identified hidden
drug ingredients (sibutramine and phenolphthalein) that may pose serious
health risks. Caffeine was also found in two of the products and was
not listed on the product label.
Consumers should consult their health care practitioner if
they have used or are using "NanFangYiRen Slimming Coffee Pure Taste,
Perfect Figure", "Charantin Slimming", or "ZiRanTang Slimming Breakfast
Slimming Biscuit & Brazil Black Coffee," and should report any adverse reactions to Health Canada.
If new weight loss products containing sibutramine or
additional hidden ingredients are identified, Health Canada will add
them to its list of affected products. Canadians are advised to monitor this list for updates.
Sibutramine was previously used to treat obesity but is no longer authorized for sale in Canada because of its association with an increased risk of cardiovascular side-effects such as heart attack and stroke.
Phenolphthalein, which was previously used as a laxative, is
no longer authorized for sale in Canada because it may cause cancer.
Additional side-effects associated with phenolphthalein include
decreased blood pressure, skin rash and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Caffeine may pose health risks to people sensitive to its effects.
Health Canada would like to remind Canadian retailers that the sale of health products is governed by the Food and Drugs Act
and its Regulations, and that selling unauthorized products is against
the law. Retailers found selling unauthorized products may have them
seized by Health Canada or by various law enforcement authorities.
