On July 23rd, 2022, Singapore HSA announced the launch of a voluntary notification initiative for companies that deal with health supplements and traditional medicines. The aim is to establish a local database of safe and good-quality complementary health products that consumers can refer to when they make their purchases. It will also allow for better traceability and follow-up actions by HSA if there are any safety or quality issues.
Companies participating in this initiative must provide HSA with the relevant documents to demonstrate that their products meet the necessary safety and quality standards and labeling requirements. Only products compliant with these standards will be published on the HSA database. Inclusion in this database would not be misconstrued as HSA’s endorsement of the product.
HSA will launch this initiative in phases from August 1st, 2022, starting with commonly purchased products, such as vitamin and mineral supplements, and products at higher risk of adulteration, such as those for weight loss, pain relief, and male vitality enhancement. HSA will gradually include other product categories in the subsequent phases.
Currently, HSA prohibits the addition of medicinal ingredients such as steroids and sets strict limits on toxic heavy metals in both health supplements and traditional medicines. Postmarketing surveillance is also conducted to detect safety concerns that may arise when consumers use these products.
