The Department of Health urges people not to buy or consume a slimming product labelled as "USA purchasing", as it contains an undeclared and banned ingredient that poses health risks.
The department bought a sample of the product through the Internet during market surveillance. 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. Products containing sibutramine have been banned in Hong Kong since 2010, as they can 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.
