Beware of fake TCM pills

SINGAPORE: Authorities are warning that some traditional chinese medicine pills, purportedly made in Singapore and sold online, are fakes.

A search on a website found several netizens asking to buy these "Singapore—made" pills, which claim to treat rheumatism.

Some were even willing to pay double the price.

Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority said the company that produces the pills is not a registered manufacturer in Singapore.

The manufacturer’s address on the product label is also fake.

HSA advised consumers to be careful when buying and consuming such products, especially if they are bought from dubious sources, such as over the Internet or from street peddlers.

HSA said consumers should be wary of products that sound too good to be true, especially those that are supported only by testimonials from users.

Leew Kin, chairman, Singapore Chinese Druggist Association, said: "Such products will emphasise words such as ’extra effective’ and ’extra powerful’. We’re not allowed by law in Singapore to use such words on products manufactured here."

— CNA/cc