The Department of Health has urged the public not to use slimming products "SB Factor" and "GQ Factor" as they contain the banned Western drug ingredient phenolphthalein.

Phenolphthalein was used for treating constipation but has been banned for its association with an increase cancer risk.

Drug alert: Both SB Factor (left) and GQ Factor contain the banned Western drug ingredient phenolphthalein. People should stop using them.

Under the Pharmacy & Poisons Ordinance, a product containing Western drug ingredients is a pharmaceutical product and must be registered before sale.

The department has raided a retailer in Mong Kok and the importer, and seized 138 boxes of the two products.

The importer must immediately recall the products from the market, and has set up a hotline - 2344 2039 - for enquiries.