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TGA finds banned chemicals in St Nirvana herbal weight-loss product

Posted by Rita Mu

The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration has detected the presence of banned weight-loss chemicals in a slimming product claiming to be made from 100 per cent herbal ingredients.

The Chinese manufacturer of St Nirvana Herbal Slimming Capsules claims the product is made entirely from natural fruits, tea, hawthorn and cellulose. However, tests conducted by the TGA found the presence of sibutramine and phenolphthalein.

Sibutramine was withdrawn from sale in Australia in October 2010 after results from the Sibutramine Cardiovascular OUTcomes (SCOUT) health study showed the weight-loss medication was linked to higher rates of heart attacks and strokes in obese or overweight patients.

Three brands of imported coffee and chocolate, containing sibutramine, were recalled from sale by Food Standards Australia New Zealand last year following the ban.

Phenolphthalein, previously used as an oral laxative, has also been withdrawn from use in Australia due to safety concerns linked to long term use.

According to TGA, the commercial supply of St Nirvana herbal slimming capsules in Australia is illegal.

TGA has advised that all consumers who have purchased the slimming capsules should discard the product.

St Nirvana is the second weight-loss product reported this year to contain ingredients other than those specified on the packaging. In March, the toxic plant Yellow oleander was detected in the slimming products, The Latin Seed and Slim Seed.
 

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