Singapore Seizes Nearly One Million Illegal Health Products in 2024

Singapore – The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) of Singapore announced that 970,707 illegal health products were seized in 2024. Additionally, authorities removed 7,351 illicit product listings from local e-commerce platforms and social media, and issued warnings to 2,868 online sellers engaged in the illegal distribution of such products.

Types of Seized Illegal Products

Among the confiscated items, the most common were:

• Cough medicine containing codeine (54%)
• Sexual enhancement drugs (19%)
• Sedatives (18%)
• Other prescription-only medications (9%)

In terms of illegal product listings removed from e-commerce and social media platforms, the breakdown included:

• Skincare and haircare products (37%)
• Contact lenses (24%)
• Medications for chronic diseases such as high cholesterol, hypertension, allergies, and pain relief (7%)

Health Risks and Consumer Warnings

The report highlighted that three consumers were hospitalized due to severe side effects linked to these illegal products.

HSA officials warned that some banned health products containing harmful substances may reappear under new packaging to evade detection. Consumers are advised to be cautious, as these products often make exaggerated claims, promising rapid results or miracle cures.

Read more: Xinhua Thai