Amount and Safety of "Hangover Supplements" Sold

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Health (a) whether there has been an increase in the number of “hangover supplements” sold in Singapore over the last five years; (b) whether such supplements are safe for regular consumption; and (c) whether the Ministry intends to step up public education to educate consumers about the safety and efficacy of such supplements.

Unlike medicines, health supplements are not meant to prevent or treat ailments and, hence, not allowed to make claims related to the relief or prevention of hangover. If we come across such claims, we will ask companies to remove them.

Health supplements are not regulated to the same stringent degree as medicines and do not require Health Sciences Authority (HSA)’s approval prior to supply. Nevertheless, HSA conducts post-market surveillance to monitor the safety of health supplements through sampling of these products and will issue consumer advisories to stop purchasing or taking these supplements if there are any prohibited substances detected. So far, no advisories have been issued for "hangover" supplements. General consumer guides and advisories on health supplements are also available on the HSA and HealthHub websites to enable consumers to make better decisions, should they choose to purchase or consume them.