Singapore: Health Sciences Authority provides latest information

in short

On 5 December 2024, Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) released updated information on products that foreign regulators found in November 2024 to contain unallowed potent ingredients that may cause harmful side effects.

HSA not only monitors supplements found locally, but also monitors law enforcement actions overseas. To better protect local consumers from harmful health products found overseas and online, HSA publishes up-to-date information to consumers on products that may pose a risk to public health.

The HSA’s close monitoring of non-compliant health products in other countries and the conduct of overseas regulators indicates that potential non-compliance in other jurisdictions may have knock-on effects in Singapore (e.g. negative publicity in Singapore and potential adulteration of health products cognition).

Sellers and suppliers of supplements should be aware that anyone supplying adulterated supplements in Singapore may face a fine of up to S$100,000 and/or a jail term of up to three years.

The HSA publishes a comprehensive list of supplements discovered and reported by overseas health regulators, including those in the Philippines, the United Kingdom, Myanmar, Hong Kong, the United States and Canada.

Health products found to contain active ingredients range from hair care products to cosmetics. HSA also briefly explains the possible side effects of the active ingredients in these supplements.

The HSA advises the public not to purchase these products overseas and to use caution when purchasing health supplements online or from unfamiliar sources, especially overseas suppliers, regardless of whether the products have been recommended by friends or relatives. It also warns consumers to be wary of products that promise quick results or make exaggerated claims such as “100% safe” or “no side effects.” Consumers should also be wary of products that offer unexpected, rapid recovery results.

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