One case of fatal fulminant hepatitis and several other severe cases were recorded.
Alerted by the serious adverse effects linked to taking capsules available in pharmacies, the French authorities announced their ban in a first decree published on April 17, 2025. Faced with the persistence of the risks, a new decree, published on April 17, 2026, now extends this marketing suspension for an additional year, i.e. until April 18, 2027.
As a reminder, a case of fatal fulminant hepatitis and several other severe cases had been identified, prompting ANSES to undertake in-depth expertise. This analysis confirmed hepatic, but also psychiatric, digestive (pancreatitis), cardiac (notably pericarditis) and muscular (rhabdomyolysis) damage. In France alone, 38 reports were declared. These effects can occur in people with a medical history, but also in healthy people. The Agency also identified several dangerous drug interactions.
Faced with this risk deemed “acute”, the French authorities are maintaining the order for immediate removal from shelves and recalls from consumers. According to the provisions in force, the importation, introduction and placing on the market of food supplements containing the plant Garcinia cambogia Desr., as well as all its preparations, remain suspended. This is the famous dangerous plant targeted here. Used in slimming products for its appetite suppressant and fat-burning effects, it should now be avoided regardless of the sales channel: pharmacy, organic or health food store or websites.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) continues its assessment of the risks associated with the ingestion of hydroxycitric acid (HCA) present in the fruit. Pending harmonized measures at European level, which could still take several months, France continues to apply the precautionary principle by extending its national measures.
The authorities point out that no food supplement is without risk, especially when it promises rapid weight loss. It is strongly recommended to consult a health professional before taking any weight loss product. No plant can replace a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
