Health Ministry Warns: 'Magic Honey' Contains Banned Substance That Could Be Life-Threatening

The Ministry of Health is warning the public against the product "Magic Honey" ("Slimming Honey"), after laboratory tests found it contains the banned substance sibutramine, which can cause severe side effects and even life-threatening conditions. The product is not approved, and the ministry urges purchasing medicines and health products only from authorized places and reporting suspected counterfeit marketing to hotline 5400*.

The Ministry of Health today (Tuesday) issued a public warning against purchasing and consuming the product "Magic Honey," also marketed as "Slimming Honey," after laboratory tests found it contains the active ingredient sibutramine, which is banned for marketing in Israel and many countries worldwide due to health risks. The product is not approved by the ministry, and no registered preparations containing this substance exist in Israel. The ministry warned that consuming sibutramine without medical supervision may cause increased blood pressure, rapid heart rate, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, heart attacks, stroke, and psychiatric disorders, and in severe cases even life-threatening conditions. It was also reported that in the past, hospitalizations were reported in Israel following the use of counterfeit products containing this substance. The ministry called on the public to purchase medicines, dietary supplements, and health products only from pharmacies, pharmacy chains, and authorized places, and to avoid buying them on social networks, messaging groups, and unfamiliar websites. Additionally, it recommended those wishing to lose weight to consult a licensed dietitian, maintain a healthy diet, and engage in physical activity. Anyone who encounters the product or suspects counterfeit drug marketing is asked to report to the Health Voice hotline at 5400*.