HAAD Issues Warning On Fake Products

The Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HAAD) has warned consumers to be careful when buying slimming products after it found that 15 weight loss products tested contained adulterated substances like Sibutramine and Alvenulfthalin, reported news agency WAM.

Sibutramine was withdrawn from the market after it was discovered that the drug may lead to high blood pressure and an irregular heart beat. Alvenulfthalin has also been prohibited since it is a carcinogen.

“Obesity is increasing at an alarming rate, and people are trying to lose weight by using weight loss products,” Dr. Ali Obaid Al Ali, director of Health Regulation said. “But people don’t check the authenticity of the product before using it.”

“Many consumers have a wrong perception that any product marketed as herbal is safe, but, in many cases, we have gathered and tested these products and found them to contain undefined chemicals or unknown drug concentration leading to a risk to the health of the user,” he added.

HAAD had earlier received 60 products from the public for a safety check, including 30 slimming products.

The authority has already issued several warnings and has also withdrawn slimming products, which were tested and proven to be fraudulent, the report said.