Protecting Consumers against False Claims by Health Supplement Companies

Dr Wan Rizal asked the Minister for Health given the recent case where a health supplement company is fined for making false cancer cure claims, how does the Ministry balance public health protection and unnecessary restriction of consumer choice.

Dr Wan Rizal asked the Minister for Health whether the Ministry is currently working with other agencies to issue import alerts for companies operating in dietary supplements, natural health and sports nutrition so as to timeously remove any unsafe supplement product.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Health supplements are products which are marketed as enhancing a person’s well-being, for example, by making claims, such as "for vitality", "supports joint function". As these products are not meant to prevent, treat or cure diseases, the supplements can be imported or placed on the market for sale to consumers, without HSA’s approval.

To protect public safety, HSA prohibits the addition of potent medicinal ingredients in health supplements. Any claims that these products can prevent, treat or cure any medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer, are also prohibited. HSA administers a post-market surveillance programme to monitor the safety of health supplements and to initiate product recalls when necessary.

HSA publishes guidelines on the safety and quality standards to facilitate industry’s introduction of safe and quality products in the market. These include information, such as disallowed ingredients and claims, toxic heavy metal and microbial limits.

To inform the public, HSA issues press releases on unsafe health supplements and false or exaggerated claims. Consumer guides and advisories on the HSA and HealthHub websites enable consumers to make better decisions, should they choose to purchase or consume health supplements.