On April 29, the Food Safety Department (Ministry of Health) received a report from the National Institute for Food Safety Control about the detection of the banned substance Sibutramine in two samples of health protection foods currently circulating on the market.

Specifically, the product sample Dang Xuan Phuc Linh Gold (batch number: 11 2023, production date: November 1, 2023, expiration date: November 1, 2026) tested positive for Sibutramine.

The product is imported and distributed by EU YB Joint Stock Company, located at Group 20, Minh Tan Ward, Yen Bai City. The manufacturer is Austin Biologic & Technology Limited, located in Hong Kong (China).

Similarly, the product sample Best Slim Collagen (batch number: 29L367, expiry date January 2027) was also found to contain Sibutramine.

The product is imported by Hoa Anh Dao Medical Equipment Company Limited (Hamlet 4, Hai Boi Village, Hai Boi Commune, Dong Anh District, Hanoi) and is responsible for its quality. The manufacturer is Arnet Pharmaceutical, headquartered in Florida, USA.

Sibutramine is an active ingredient that was once used to aid weight loss but has been banned due to its many dangerous side effects on the heart and blood pressure.

The Food Safety Department recommends that consumers do not use the above products.