Sibutramine is an ingredient in weight loss pills and is only allowed to be used when prescribed by a doctor. Sibutramine has been banned in Singapore since 2010 due to the risk of heart attack, stroke and some central nervous system disorders in users.

Under Section 15 of the Singapore Food Business Act, it is illegal to distribute unsafe food in Singapore. Any person or business that contravenes any provision of the Act is guilty of an offence and is liable to a fine not exceeding S$5,000; for a second or subsequent conviction, a fine not exceeding S$10,000 and/or imprisonment not exceeding 3 months. The SFA said it will take strict action against any person or business that sells or supplies unsafe food products adulterated with prohibited substances.

According to Mr. Cao Xuan Thang, Trade Counselor, Head of the Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore, Singapore is a market with high and strict requirements on food safety. Updating, understanding and accurately following local food regulations is the first and most important requirement in producing and exporting food products to the Singapore market.

Food additives permitted for use in food products imported or manufactured for sale in Singapore are specified in the Food Regulation.

Businesses can refer to the Singapore Food Regulations and the SFA's guidance document on permitted additives (Here). Vietnamese food businesses should regularly self-check the ingredients in their products, ensuring that only permitted food additives are used and that the content used is within the maximum permitted level according to Singapore regulations./.

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SFA warns of some products containing Sibutramine