The Department of Health urges people not to buy or consume a slimming product called Slim Perfect Legs, as it contains an undeclared and banned ingredient that poses health risks.
A woman selling the product was arrested in July for suspected illegal sale and possession of an unregistered pharmaceutical product. But Police officers have recently found that the product can be bought through a mobile app.
Although the product was packaged differently, laboratory tests showed it contained the banned ingredient sibutramine.
Sibutramine is classified as a Part I poison and was once used as an appetite suppressant. Since November 2010, products containing sibutramine have been banned in Hong Kong because it may increase the risk of stroke or heart attack.
Health officials called on consumers who have bought the slimming product to stop using it immediately and seek medical help if they feel unwell.
