The public has been advised by the management of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, to cease using and purchasing a product called Weight Rapid Loss Capsule, produced by Ingi Oman.
This was disclosed through a notification signed by the management on the Agency’s website, dated December 20, 2022, and titled Public Alert No. 049/2022 – Alert on the UAE health authority warning against consumption of weight loss pills.
The Agency stated that it was informing the public that the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH) had advised against using the Weight Rapid Loss Capsule owing to the possibility of cancer.
According to the alert: “The product is being -marketed as ‘the most effective weight loss supplemen’ and is being illegally sold through social media platforms like Instagram.
“Result of laboratory analysis showed that the pills contain a banned substance ‘phenolphthalein’, which the US Food and Drug Administration has recognised as unsafe. It further contains microbial growth above the permissible limits.
Phenolphthalein has been proven to be hazardous to genes, causing DNA damage or mutations. Studies have also revealed that it may be carcinogenic.
Further, the management noted, “NAFDAC implores consumers to stop the purchase and use of the product. Members of the public in possession of the product should discontinue sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.
“Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report adverse events experienced with the use of the product to the nearest NAFDAC office, via [email protected], E-reporting platforms available at www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med- safety application for download on android and IOS stores.”
