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Product Regulation & Liability

Singapore: Health Sciences Authority issues alert on three products found to contain banned or potent ingredients

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In brief

In June 2024, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) issued an alert to members of the public not to purchase or consume three products. The HSA’s analysis of these products revealed that they contained banned or potent ingredients.

Key takeaways

  • Sellers and suppliers should note that the supply of health products must be in line with applicable health product regulations. The HSA will not hesitate to publish information on adverse effects of health products, which may result in negative publicity for the sellers and suppliers.
  • Anyone who supplies adulterated health products in Singapore may face a fine of up to SGD 100,000 and/or imprisonment for up to three years.

In more detail 

The HSA’s analysis of “88 Total White Underarm Cream”, “Sausando Cellulite Pills” and “Pelangsing Double Strong” revealed that these products contained banned or potent ingredients, including sibutramine (a banned weight loss medicine) and high levels of mercury (a toxic heavy metal prohibited for use in cosmetic products).

These products were found to be available for sale on local e-commerce platforms and at a local retail shop. The HSA has since worked with e-commerce platform administrators to remove the affected listings and take enforcement action against the respective sellers. All stocks at the local retail store have also been seized by the HSA.

The HSA advises consumers to exercise caution when purchasing health products online or from unfamiliar sources. It also encourages consumers to buy only from reputable pharmacies or retailer websites, or those with an established presence in Singapore.

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Andy Leck is the head of the Intellectual Property and Technology (IPTech) Practice Group and a member of the Dispute Resolution Practice Group in Singapore. He is a core member of Baker McKenzie's regional IP practice and also leads the Myanmar IP Practice Group. Andy is recognised by reputable global industry and legal publications as a leader in his field. He was named on "The A-List: Singapore's Top 100 lawyers" by Asia Business Law Journal 2018. In addition, Chambers Asia Pacific notes that Andy is "a well-known IP practitioner who is highlighted for his record of handling major trade mark litigation, as well as commercial exploitation of IP rights in the media and technology sectors. He's been in the industry for a long time and has always been held in high regard. He is known to be very fair and is someone you would like to be in the trenches with you during negotiations." Furthermore, Asian Legal Business acknowledges Andy as a leading practitioner in his field and notes that he “always gives good, quick advice, [is] client-focused and has strong technical knowledge for his areas of practice.” Andy was appointed by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) as an IP Adjudicator to hear disputes at IPOS for a two-year term from April 2021. He has been an appointed member of the Singapore Copyright Tribunal since May 2010 and a mediator with the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center. He is also appointed as a Notary Public & Commissioner for Oaths in Singapore. He previously served on the International Trademark Association’s Board of Directors and was a member of the executive committee.

Author

Ren Jun Lim is a principal with Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow. He represents local and international clients in both contentious and non-contentious intellectual property matters. He also advises on a full range of healthcare, as well as consumer goods-related legal and regulatory issues. Ren Jun co-leads Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow's Healthcare as well as Consumer Goods & Retail industry groups. He sits on the Law Society of Singapore IP Committee and on the Executive Committee of the Association of Information Security Professionals. He is also a member of the Vaccines Working Group, Singapore Association of Pharmaceutical Industries, a member of the International Trademark Association, as well as a member of the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Association. Ren Jun is ranked in the Silver tier for Individuals: Enforcement and Litigation and Individuals: Prosecution and Strategy, and a recommended lawyer for Individuals: Transactions by WTR 1000, 2020. He is also listed in Asia IP's Best 50 IP Expert, 2020, recognised as a Rising Star by Managing IP: IP Stars, 2019 and one of Singapore's 70 most influential lawyers aged 40 and under by Singapore Business Review, 2016. Ren Jun was acknowledged by WTR 1000 as a "trademark connoisseur who boasts supplementary knowledge of regulatory issues in the consumer products industry." He was also commended by clients for being "very responsive to enquiries and with a keen eye for detail, he is extremely hands-on. His meticulous and in-depth approach to strategising is key to the excellent outcomes we enjoy."

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