Kuwait's health ministry has warned against the consumption of "Green Coffee 500" and "Slimming Bag Green Tea", two tea and coffee drinks promising health benefits. Health ministry says they could have negative effects on the heart.
Dr Omar Al Syed Omar, assistant deputy of Drugs and Medical Supplies Affairs, told Kuwait News Agency (Kuna) that the Drug Monitoring Directorate found that the herbs contained a chemical element that could be used only under a strict medical prescription.
The official said that such products are brought to Kuwait unchecked by the competent health authorities and without a proper medical license. "They are usually brought in through unofficial means such as the Internet, passengers or personal parcels," he said.
Omar said that people should avoid purchasing such drugs or herbs through the Internet or bringing them from abroad without being awareness of their latent hazards.
"Smuggling and counterfeiting products containing chemical materials or getting drugs without medical licenses is a crime punishable by law. The Ministry of Health takes all necessary legal measures and refers all violators to the legal agencies concerned with protecting human health even if the amount seized is small and is for personal use," he said
