Update: Burnaby, B.C. Store (U-Box) Selling Potentially Dangerous Weight Loss Products

OTTAWA, July 25, 2012 /CNW/ - Further to our previous communications, Health Canada is advising Canadians that four products promoted for weight loss have been seized from "U-Box," a store in Burnaby, B.C.

Health Canada testing has identified they contain hidden drug ingredients (sibutramine and phenolphthalein) that may pose serious health risks. Caffeine was also found in some of the products and was not listed on the product label. Caffeine may pose health risks to people sensitive to its effects.

When new weight loss products containing sibutramine or additional hidden ingredients are identified, Health Canada adds them to its list of affected products. Canadians are advised to monitor this list of affected products for updates.

Sibutramine was previously used to treat obesity but is no longer authorized for sale in Canada because of its association with an increased risk of cardiovascular side effects such as heart attack and stroke.

Consumers should consult their health care practitioner if they have used or are using "Brazil Perfect Reducing Fat Coffee", "Goya Bittermelon", "S-organic Cocoa+L-carnitine" or "Super Fat Burning Bomb" and report any adverse reaction to Health Canada.

Health Canada would like to remind Canadian retailers that the sale of health products is governed by the Food and Drugs Act and its Regulations, and that selling unauthorized products is against the law. Retailers found selling unapproved products may have them seized by Health Canada or by various law enforcement authorities.

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SOURCE: Health Canada