23 October 2010
Food Standards Australia and New Zealand have advised that three brands of coffee and chocolate have been recalled from sale after testing conducted by the New South Wales Food Authority found they contained sibutramine, a prescription medication not permitted in food.The products are:
"Sumabe Acai Berry Coffee for Slimmer's"
"Moti Angel Coffee"
"Leptin Weight Loss Chocolate"
They are marketed and labelled as "slimming foods" and could lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease in people who are overweight or obese.
Sibutramine has been recalled from sale in Australia due to concerns regarding the safety of the drug.
It was found that there were higher rates of cardiovascular events such as heart attack or strokes in overweight patients using sibutramine.
Sibutramine can also interact with many commonly prescribed medications.
Due to concerns of a risk to public health, the importers of these products are undertaking a recall.
The NSW Food Authority is testing a range of similar products and will alert NT authorities if any further health risks become known.
Consumers who have purchased the product are advised to return it to the place of purchase or dispose of the product.
For further information:
Media contact: Bridget Wild 0401 116 144
