Dutch authorities warn on banned substances in supplements (again)

Tested products included a range of ‘libido enhancers’, slimming preparations, fat burners, and pre-workout supplements, the NVWA confirmed – adding that wherever possible products were withdrawn from the market and measures were taken against offending companies.

Since the banned substances are not labelled, the Dutch authorities warned that many consumers would not be able to tell that banned substances were contained in the packet, nor could anybody know in what concentration.

Substances found in the examined supplements included sildenafil, sibutramine, and amphetamine-like substances such as synephrine. 

The report warned that in many cases these can lead to high blood pressure, increased heart rate – and that supplements containing banned substances have led to ill health and death of some consumers.

Earlier this year Dutch authorities made warnings on 'illegal' slimming products after two suspects were held for illegal supplement trafficking.

A further crackdown and criminal investigations regarding adulterated ingredients and illegal supplements has been in place in the Netherlands since a woman died after taking slimming supplements containing sibutramine last year.

The new report, which details supplements tested in 2015 and 2016, shows that in total, 160 samples were taken.

Of the 42 samples of libido enhancing supplements 32 samples proved positive; of the 118 samples of slimming preparations, 'fat loss’ and ‘pre-work-out-products' 66 samples were positive.