Slimming products ‘up risk of heart attacks’

Melbourne: Oz authorities have warned consumers about imported slimming products, citing the increased risk of heart attacks and strokes after consumption.

Slimming products like tea, coffee and chocolate, many of which are imported from China apparently contain the banned substance sibutramine. "Everyone is full of good intentions as the year begins but generally if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,```` the Courier Mail quoted Primary Industries Minister Steve Whan, as saying. In clinical trials this prescription medicine has been found to increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes among overweight users and has been banned from sale. The NSW Food Authority has seized 15,000 units of "slimming```` foods and are investigating to ensure they comply with the safety standards. ANI