Recall of slimming product with undeclared Western drug ingredients (with photo)

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     The Department of Health (DH) today (July 25) endorsed a local distributor, Catil International Holdings Limited (Catil), to recall a slimming product called B-finn from the market as it was found to contain undeclared Western drug ingredients.

     Acting on intelligence, the DH purchased a sample of the above slimming product for analysis. Test results from the Government Laboratory revealed that the sample contained two undeclared substances, namely orlistat and 2-(Diphenylmethyl)pyrrolidine (desoxy-D2PM). Investigations revealed that Catil is the local distributor for the product. Catil has agreed to recall the product from the market and has set up a hotline (3180 5831) to answer related enquiries.

     The DH's investigation is continuing.

     Orlistat is a Part 1 poison used for the treatment of obesity. Its side effects include faecal urgency, fatty stool, increased frequency of defecation, faecal incontinence, headache and abdominal pain. Severe liver injuries may also be induced. Products containing orlistat should only be sold at pharmacies under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. Desoxy-D2PM is a psychoactive substance and has been reported to cause hallucinations and severe agitation. It has no medicinal uses.

     According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138), all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be sold legally in the market. Illegal sale or possession of Part 1 poisons and unregistered pharmaceutical products are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.

     Weight control should be achieved through a balanced diet and appropriate exercise. The public should consult healthcare professionals before using any medication for weight control.

     Members of the public who have purchased the above product should stop consuming it immediately. They should consult healthcare professionals for advice if feeling unwell or in doubt after consumption. They may also submit the product to the DH's Drug Office at Room 1856, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.

Ends/Monday, July 25, 2016
Issued at HKT 17:45

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The Department of Health today (July 25) endorsed a local distributor, Catil International Holdings Limited, to recall a slimming product called B-finn from the market as it was found to contain undeclared Western drug ingredients.