E-commerce Platforms Seek Banned Substances in Health Foods
health Ministry Recalls Weight Loss Products Containing Banned Substance
The Ministry of Health and Safety has issued a recall for two health products,Dang Xuan Phuc linh Gold and Best Slim Collagen,after discovering they contain Sibutramine,a banned substance. The products were found on various e-commerce platforms, websites, and social networks.
Nationwide Recall Initiated
On April 29,2025,the Ministry of Food and Safety announced the nationwide monitoring and recovery of thes products across 63 provinces and cities.Officials confirmed that the registration numbers printed on the packaging are inaccurate, and no official announcement had been made for the products.
Company Denies importing Product
Hoa Anh Dao Medical Equipment Company Limited,listed as the notification registrant for Best Slim Collagen (registration number 4844/2019/DKSP,May 7,2019),reported that it did not import the specific product placement identified as Lot/Production #29L367-01/2027.
Government Response
To protect consumer rights and health, the Ministry of Food and safety has contacted several agencies, including the Ministry of Digital Economy and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, to address the issue of health protection foods being traded and advertised online. The agencies are tasked with reviewing and adjusting their processes to prevent further violations.
E-Commerce Platforms Remove Advertisements
The Ministry of Digital Economics has taken action by removing advertisements for the recalled products from e-commerce exchanges. Efforts are underway to strengthen the management of e-commerce platforms to prevent the sale of counterfeit and recalled items.
Online Advertising Crackdown
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has directed its radio, television, and electronic intelligence departments to remove advertising content for the products from websites. They have also requested the removal of violating commercials on platforms like Facebook and YouTube.
Market Management Intensified
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Growth is increasing its market management efforts to crack down on the illegal distribution and smuggling of these products. The ministry aims to prevent the production and sale of counterfeit, prohibited, and goods of unknown origin, in accordance with regulations.
Warning posted on Ministry Website
The Ministry of Food and Safety issued a warning on its website April 29, 2025, alerting the public to the presence of the banned substance in the identified products.
Product Marketing and Pricing
Dang Xuan Phuc Linh Gold is marketed as a health food that supports weight loss, fat burning, and appetite suppression. It is indeed sold on e-commerce platforms and social networks for between 400,000 and 550,000 buildings per 30 tablets.
Best Slim Collagen is also advertised as a weight loss aid, priced between 650,000 and 850,000 buildings per 40 tablets.
sibutramine: A Banned Substance
The NHAN DAN newspaper reports that Sibutramine is a forbidden appetite inhibitor due to risky side effects, notably for individuals with coronary arteriosclerosis, heart attack, arrhythmia, hypertension, or stroke.
Vietnam suspended import permits for sibutramine raw materials in 2010. In April 2011, authorities recalled all drugs containing Sibutramine and withdrew the registration numbers for those drugs due to the ingredient’s unwanted side effects.
Weight Loss Product Recall: Your Questions Answered
What’s happening with weight loss products in Vietnam?
The Ministry of Health and Safety in Vietnam has issued a recall for two weight loss products: Dang Xuan Phuc Linh Gold and Best Slim Collagen. These products were found to contain Sibutramine, a banned substance. The products were being sold on e-commerce platforms, websites, and social networks.
Why were these weight loss products recalled?
The primary reason for the recall is the presence of Sibutramine, a forbidden appetite inhibitor. According to the provided information, Sibutramine is associated with risky side effects, particularly for individuals with specific health conditions.
What is Sibutramine?
Sibutramine is a substance that was previously used in weight loss medications to suppress appetite. though,it has been banned as of its potential to cause serious health problems.
What are the risks associated with Sibutramine?
The NHAN DAN newspaper reports that Sibutramine poses risks, including:
Coronary arteriosclerosis
Heart attack
Arrhythmia
Hypertension
Stroke
Which specific products are affected by the recall?
The recall specifically targets two products:
Dang Xuan Phuc Linh Gold
Best Slim Collagen
Where were these recalled products being sold?
The ministry of Health and Safety found these products on various online platforms, including:
E-commerce platforms
Websites
Social networks
When was the recall announced?
The Ministry of Food and Safety announced the nationwide recall on April 29, 2025.
What action is the government taking?
The Vietnamese government is taking several steps to address this issue:
Nationwide Recall: The ministry of Food and Safety initiated a nationwide monitoring and recovery effort across 63 provinces and cities.
Inter-Agency Coordination: The Ministry of Food and Safety is working with other ministries,including the Ministry of Digital Economy,the Ministry of Culture,Sports,and Tourism,to prevent further violations.
E-commerce Platform Action: The Ministry of Digital Economics has removed advertisements for the recalled products from e-commerce platforms.
Online Advertising Crackdown: The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism is removing advertising content from websites and requesting the removal of commercials on platforms like Facebook and YouTube.
Market management: The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Growth is increasing its efforts to crack down on the illegal distribution and smuggling of these products.
Public Warning: The Ministry of food and Safety issued a warning on its website on April 29, 2025, alerting the public.
What do the product registration numbers say?
Officials confirmed that the registration numbers printed on the packaging are inaccurate, and no official announcement had been made for the products. Also, the company Hoa Anh Dao Medical Equipment Company Limited, listed as the notification registrant for Best Slim Collagen denied importing the specific product batch affected.
How are these products marketed?
Dang xuan Phuc Linh Gold: Marketed as a health food for weight loss,fat burning,and appetite suppression.
Best Slim Collagen: Advertised as a weight loss aid.
How much did these products cost?
dang Xuan Phuc Linh Gold: Sold for between 400,000 and 550,000 buildings per 30 tablets.
Best Slim Collagen: Priced between 650,000 and 850,000 buildings per 40 tablets.
When was Sibutramine banned in Vietnam?
Vietnam suspended import permits for sibutramine raw materials in 2010. In April 2011, authorities recalled all drugs containing Sibutramine and withdrew the registration numbers.
Summary of Key Points
| Feature | Dang xuan Phuc Linh Gold | Best Slim Collagen |
| ——————- | ———————————— | ———————————- |
| Primary Function| Weight Loss & Appetite Suppression | Weight Loss Aid |
| Contains | Sibutramine | Sibutramine |
| Platforms | E-commerce, Social Networks | E-commerce, Social Networks |
| Price Range | 400,000 – 550,000 buildings (30 tablets) | 650,000 – 850,000 buildings (40 tablets) |
| Status | Recalled | Recalled |