We thank Forum contributor Huang Kangrui for sharing their insights on the need for comprehensive ingredient listings on health and beauty products (Complete ingredients list needed on health and beauty products, March 14).
In Singapore, the regulation of health and beauty supplements falls under the oversight of the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), which enforce risk-based regulatory frameworks for health and food products.
While medicines, which contain potent ingredients or chemicals, are subject to stringent controls, health and beauty supplements, such as vitamin pills and food supplements like juices, face less rigorous requirements. These products are not required to undergo pre-market approval. However, suppliers must adhere to specific regulations, including accurate and clear labeling.
Health and beauty supplement labels must provide essential information in English, including active ingredients, their quantities, and any allergens, such as certain colorants and preservatives. For pre-packaged food products, labels must also list ingredients, the country of origin, and the name and address of the local importer.
To ensure compliance, the HSA and SFA conduct random checks on products in the local market to verify adherence to labeling standards.
Despite these regulations, the variety of health, beauty, and food supplements available means that some products may still lack proper labeling. Consumers are advised to use discretion when purchasing these products.
Those purchasing online, especially from overseas platforms, should be particularly cautious. Products sold by foreign vendors may be labeled according to the regulations of the seller’s country, which might not align with Singapore’s requirements.
Consumers are encouraged to buy health, beauty, and food supplements from trustworthy sources, including pharmacies, reputable retailers, and established sellers in Singapore. Additionally, consumers should be wary of products making unsubstantiated medical claims or offering promises that seem too good to be true.
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