More slimming products banned in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: In a continuing crackdown against harmful slimming products and dietary supplements, the Municipality of Abu Dhabi city on Monday urged residents to refrain from using Miaozi and Super Slim products, and also to report any outlets or stores that were offering the products for sale.

The two products were recently removed as part of municipal inspections across the capital, and a municipal representative told Gulf News that the department would continue to remove any other products that were being offered for sale.

The withdrawal was undertaken after Ministry of Health laboratory tests revealed that Miaozi and Super Slim products contained a harmful chemical substance called phenolphthalein, which is not used in medicines because of its side effects. Both the ministry and the Health Authority Abu Dhabi subsequently banned the products

A statement sent by the municipality also said Miaozi and Super Slim did not list phenolphthalein among their ingredients.

Khalifa Al Rumaithi, director of public health at the municipality, said the two withdrawn products were a threat to public health and safety.

Cooperation

"Awareness and cooperation from residents in reporting sellers of these banned items will help the municipality eliminate the threat they pose," he added.

Phenolphthalein, which is known to have laxative properties, also has a carcinogenic effect on users, in addition to a spate of other side effects from overdose like diarrhoea, low blood sugar, fluid accumulation in the lungs etc.

Municipality urges public to report banned slimming products

Reporting banned products

To report outlets or stores selling banned slimming products, call the municipality at 80022220 or dial emergency number 993.