Authorities are investigating a diet product sold by a popular Hong Kong Instagram influencer after tests showed that the gold pills, which were being sold at HK$1,500 (US$193) a bag, contains a banned substance.
In a press release published Tuesday evening, the Department of Health said sibutramine, an appetite suppressant linked to cardiovascular risk, were found in the samples tested.
“Members of the public who have purchased the above products should stop consuming them immediately. They should consult healthcare professionals for advice if feeling unwell after consumption,” the statement read.
Sibutramine is an illegal substance in Hong Kong, where it is classified as a Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance. It is also banned in countries including Singapore, the Philippines, Canada and the United States.
The social media influencer, known as BlackRuby, has since changed the name of her Instagram shop and deleted posts with the pills. She has over 203,000 followers on her personal Instagram account, which remains active.
She had also been selling the pills at a store in Mong Kok, according to old screenshots of her now-deleted posts.
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Under Hong Kong law, the sale or possession of Part 1 poisons is punishable by a maximum penalty of HK$100,000 (US$12,880) and two years’ imprisonment.
Last November, authorities arrested two people in connection with the sale of a dark chocolate product found to have sibutramine.
