If you buy it thinking it's cocoa, it turns out to be a laxative...Beware of ”directly imported from overseas” = South Korea

``I bought it because I thought it would help me lose weight, but it contained a laxative.'' Approximately 20% of foods sold directly from overseas through online shopping malls in South Korea contain laxatives.
It was discovered that the product contained raw materials and ingredients that are prohibited from being brought into the country. South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has issued a statement saying,
Of these, planned inspections were conducted for approximately four months on 100 products suspected of containing harmful ingredients. As a result, it was confirmed that 21 products contained raw materials and ingredients that are prohibited from being imported into Japan.
We have therefore taken measures to block the importation into the country." The items tested were 30 products that claimed to have a weight loss effect, 30 products that claimed to have analgesic effects, and 30 products that claimed to improve sleep.
A total of 100 products were selected, including products (20 products) and products claiming antidepressant effects (20 products) that were suspected of containing harmful ingredients.
The results of the tests were: ``Products claiming weight loss effects (12 items)'' ``Products claiming pain relief effects (6 items)''
Raw materials and ingredients that are subject to import bans into South Korea were confirmed in products that claim to improve sleep (2 products) and products that claim to have antidepressant effects (1 product). Of these, 11 products were found to be used in food.
A drug ingredient that could not be used was detected, but the ingredient was not listed. As a specific example, products that advertise weight loss benefits may contain ingredients such as cocoa powder or fruit powder.
However, the pharmaceutical ingredient ``sennoside'' was detected. Sennoside is an ingredient used to treat constipation, but it has no effect on decomposing or reducing body fat, and rather, it can be used in large amounts.
This can lead to diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said, ``We will request the Customs Service to suspend customs clearance for these products, and request the Broadcasting and Communications Deliberation Committee to cut off connections to online sales sites.''
We have taken measures to prevent it from entering the country in cooperation with related organizations." In addition, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety is responsible for providing information on harmful foods so that consumers can purchase them safely.
Information on 21 products that have been confirmed to contain raw materials and ingredients that are prohibited from being brought into Japan has been published on the website.