Crackdown on weight loss products

BANGKOK, June 6 (TNA) – Officials seized weight loss products, found to contain dangerous substances in Nakhon Ratchasima. Secretary-general of the Food and Drug Administration, Wanchai Satayawutthipong, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Public Health Dr Tharet Kratnaiyarawiwong told a press conference that Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials, consumer protection police division and public health officials raided four locations, distributing “Asia Slim” dietary supplements for weight loss after examination of products found it contained banned substance, Sibutramine and used exaggerated advertisement. Officials also found cosmetics with falsified labels. All goods, worth about two million baht were seized for further examination by the Department of Medical Sciences. Dr Tharet said sellers of products with Sibutramine face 4-20 years in prison and a fine of 400,000- 2,000,000 baht. He also warns consumers that food supplements cannot help them lose weight and substandard and unsafe products could have side effects. They are recommended to change eating habits and regularly exercise. (TNA)