Health authorities recall laxatives and weight loss products in Argentina and Spain

Health authorities in Argentina and Spain have issued urgent warnings and product recalls regarding substances found in laxatives and weight loss supplements.

In Argentina, ANMAT has ordered the market withdrawal of all batches of the laxative Fructines, produced by Laboratorio Farmacéutico Argentino S. A. The recall follows the suspension of the active ingredient phenolphthalein due to its classification by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a potential human carcinogen. Authorities have advised the public to stop using the product.

In Spain, the Aemps has prohibited the sale and ordered the withdrawal of approximately 20 weight loss products, including brands such as Slim U, Fatzorb, and Black Panther. Investigations revealed these products contain sibutramine, an appetite suppressant suspended in the EU since 2010 due to risks of heart arrhythmia and increased blood pressure. Some of these products were also found to contain phenolphthalein. The agency noted these items were marketed as natural supplements while concealing their true chemical composition.