Singapore's Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has issued an advisory warning consumers against purchasing health products locally or online that claim to prevent or treat COVID-19.
"It has come to HSA’s attention that sellers of some health products – including health supplements and herbs and “clip-on” products – are claiming that their products can prevent or treat COVID-19," HSA said in a press statemnt.
Consumers should be wary of such claims, it added.
There is currently no evidence that any health supplement, Chinese proprietary medicine, traditional medicine, herb or “clip-on” product can boost the immune system specifically to help prevent, protect against or treat COVID-19.
Some dealers may claim that their products have been developed based on “scientific studies” and “evidence” to kill or stop the spread of viruses, including COVID-19. HSA reminded the public that advertising claims of “scientific evidence” cannot be verified, especially where emerging diseases such as COVID-19 are concerned.
The health authority also advised the public to avoid buying health products from unknown websites, online forums, blog shops and flyers sent via email, as well as unlicensed or unknown pharmacies.
"Their operators are usually unknown and unreliable, and you cannot be certain where and how these products were made," HSA said.
There is a risk of the products beingfake, adulterated with harmful ingredients, or otherwise unsafe. "They could also be of poor quality, or manufactured under unhygienic conditions."
