Nakhon Ratcahsima – Police have seized food supplement products worth 2 million baht in Nakhon Ratchasiman province after they were found to contain the appetite suppressant ‘sibutramine’.
The manufacturer of products under the ‘Asia Slim’ brand has allegedly violated Medicine Act B.E 2510. According to the Food and Drug Administration, the packages did not contain dietary supplements as claimed. The products will be sent to the Department of Medical Sciences to be further investigated.
Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong has reminded food supplement manufacturers to abide by the law or face the legal consequences. They could be subject to a maximum 20 year jail term and a maximum fine of 2 million baht as sibutramine is an illegal substance.
Dr. Tares also said food supplements do not aid weight loss adding that those claiming so usually contain sibutramine which has harmful side effects.