PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry has ordered a halt to the sale of Apple S brand candies after they were found to contain sibutramine, a banned substance used as an appetite suppressant.
Sibutramine is a chemical compound that affects the brain to suppress appetite and is commonly found in weight management products.
The ministry confirmed in a statement that sibutramine is no longer registered for use and that the products violated food labelling requirements under the Food Regulations 1985.
“Among the violations are the lack of proper labelling in Bahasa Malaysia and missing information about the manufacturer, packer, distributor, owner or importer of the products.
“As a result, this product is prohibited from being advertised or sold under Regulation 9 of the Food Regulations 1985,” it stated.
The ministry instructed all traders, including online sellers, to immediately stop selling these products and to contact the nearest district health office for confiscation purposes.
In addition, all advertising platforms, including e-commerce sites and social media, are required to cease promoting these candies, Bernama reported. Consumers currently using the products are advised to stop immediately and seek medical advice or treatment from healthcare professionals.
The ministry also urged consumers to exercise caution and make informed decisions when purchasing food products that may contain banned substances.
Reported side effects of sibutramine include disruptions in heart function such as increased heart rate (tachycardia) even at rest.
Other side effects include dry mouth, nausea, constipation, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, menstrual cramps and more.
The Health Ministry emphasised its commitment to monitoring the safety of food products in the market, including those suspected of containing controlled substances such as sildenafil, tadalafil, sibutramine, dexamethasone and prednisolone.
The ministry said it remains vigilant against health threats to consumers.
For food safety concerns, consumers can contact the nearest District Health Office, state Health Department, or visit the Health Ministry’s public complaints website at http://moh.spab.gov.my.
