HSA takes down nearly 1,000 illegal health product listings; over 80% were for contact lenses

HSA noted risks of exposure to toxic chemicals and infectious organisms when illegal dermal fillers are injected into the face or body, and the potential for scarring and asymmetric appearance if administered inappropriately.

There is also risk of a life-threatening allergic reaction, severe infections, blockage of blood vessels leading to tissue death, blindness and stroke, HSA said.

The authority warned the public to be cautious when products are sold at prices or health claims “too good to be true”. 

“The use of illegal health products, such as unregistered medical devices and illegal medicines, may not offer the expected product efficacy or could even harm one’s health due to adverse effects arising from adulterated or undeclared contents,” HSA said.

“We urge the general public, healthcare professionals and the industry to continue to alert us to illegal health products, so that we can take enforcement actions against them,” said its Chief Executive Officer, Adjunct Professor Dr Raymond Chua.

Anyone found guilty of importing, manufacturing and/or supplying illegal health products may be jailed for up to three years and/or fined up to S$100,000.