France decides to act without waiting for the advice of other European countries.
Alerted by the serious side effects linked to the taking of capsules available in pharmacies, the French authorities announce their prohibition in a decree published on April 17, entering “In force the next day”. A case of fatal hepatitis and several other severe cases have been identified. ANSES has initiated expertise to analyze these effects. Ultimately, she recorded liver damage but also psychiatric, digestive (pancreatitis), cardiac and muscle (rhabdomyolysis) caused by the famous capsules. In France alone, 38 reports were declared. These effects can occur in people “Having medical history but also in healthy people”. The agency has also identified several drug interactions.
In front of risk “acute” What does the consumption of these products represent, the French authorities order their immediate withdrawal of the shelves and their recall from consumers. According to the decree published on April 17, the import, introduction and placing food supplements containing the Garcinia Cambogia Desr., As well as all its preparations, are suspended for a year. It is the famous dangerous plant targeted here. Used in slimming products for its appetite suppressant and burnt-up effects, it is now to be avoided whatever the sales channel: pharmacy, organic store, dietetics or websites.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is currently carrying out an assessment of the risks associated with the ingestion of hydroxycitric acid (AHC) present in the fruit of Garcinia Cambogia Desr and at the origin of its effects but “Harmonized measures at European level cannot be adopted for several months”. France has therefore chosen to act without delay, applying the precautionary principle.
The authorities recall that no food supplement is without risk, especially when used to lose weight quickly. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before any weight loss product. No plant replaces a balanced diet and regular physical activity to lose weight.
