Australia Recalls Imported Coffee And Chocolate Containing Sibutramine
Three brands of imported coffee and chocolate have been recalled from sale after they were found to contain sibutramine, a prescription medication not permitted in foods.
The recalled products are:
- Moti Angel Coffee
- Sumabe Acai Berry Coffee
- Leptin weight loss chocolate
They are marketed and labeled as ‘slimming foods’ and could lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease in people who are overweight or obese.
Sibutramine has been withdrawn from sale in Australia due to concens regarding the safety of the drug.
It was found that there were higher rates of cardiovascular events such as heart attack or strokes in overweight patients using sibutramine.
Sibutramine can also interact with many commonly prescribed medications.
Due to concerns of a risk to public health, the importers of these products are undertaking a recall.
NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant has urged consumers considering using weight loss products to discuss a weight control plan with their general practitioner.
“Sale of weight loss supplements, including herbal remedies, which include this undeclared drug ingredient is also known to occur overseas,” Dr Chant said.
“The NSW Food Authority is testing a range of similar products and will alert consumers if any further health risks become known. Consult your GP if you would like any further advice regarding weight loss alternatives,” Dr Chant added.
Consumers who have purchased the product are advised to return it to the place of purchase or dispose of the product.
Fact sheet: Possible health effects from the consumption of weight loss products containing sibutramine
Food and Health Authorities are undertaking a recall of Sumabe Acai Berry Coffee, Moti Angel Coffee and Leptin Weight Loss Chocolate. The products were found to contain the therapeutic substance, sibutramine The products were not labelled as containing sibutramine or other therapeutic substances.
These products were found to contain sibutramine at levels which would reach the therapeutic dose if ingested at the recommended daily dose and could lead to adverse effects. Using more than the suggested amount could lead to extensive side effects.
Sibutramine was withdrawn from the market in Australia on 9 October 2010 after the analysis of results from a major health study known as the Sibutramine Cardiovascular OUTcomes (SCOUT) study.
There was found to be higher rate of cardiovascular events (such as heart attack and stroke) in obese and overweight patients using sibutramine than in patients managing their weight through exercise and diet alone. Sibutramine may also cause increased heart rate, palpitations, raised blood pressure, nausea, constipation, insomnia, dizziness, paraesthesia, sweating, headache, anxiety.
Sibutramine interacts with many commonly prescribed medications
Doctors should be alert to seek information about the use of weight loss products in any person presenting with unexplained cardiovascular symptoms.
Consumers should cease consumption immediately and return product to point of sale or dispose of safely out of the reach of children. Consumers should seek medical advice if concerned about their previous consumption of these products.
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