China to ban chemical-laden health food

BEIJING - China's food and drug watchdog on Friday announced that 13 types of health food will be banned, as they have been found to contain undesirable chemicals.

According to a statement issued by the State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA), the 13 products contain sibutramine, phenolphthalein, metformin and other chemicals.

According to Chinese law and regulations, health food and medicines are differentiated, as chemicals are not allowed to be added to health food.

Sibutramine can lead to high blood pressure, abnormal liver function and other serious side effects. The chemical has been banned in China since 2010.

The SFDA urged regulatory bodies around the country to fully implement the ban, as well as transfer cases involving criminal activity to the police.