News report | 22-01-2026 | 15:00
The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) has published a Blocklist of dietary supplements containing hidden dangerous substances. These include slimming products and libido-enhancing products sold online. The supplements are often deliberately falsified and pose a direct danger to consumer health. With the Blocklist, consumers can easily check whether a product contains a hidden banned substance.
To lose weight, increase potency, or improve sports performance, various products are offered. However, these products are not always allowed to be sold. They may contain dangerous and banned ingredients such as sildenafil or sibutramine. These substances are not listed on the label but can cause serious side effects such as cardiovascular problems and liver and kidney damage. Therefore, the supplements may not be sold but can sometimes still be found online.
Know what you buy online
In the NVWA online Blocklist, consumers can easily check whether a supplement is allowed to be sold. Searches can be made by category, substance, and product name. The risks of the product are also explained. The products are often promoted as natural but can only deliver the promised effect by illegal addition of pharmacologically active substances. These hidden substances can not only cause serious side effects but can also be harmful when combined with medication.
The NVWA monitors whether entrepreneurs comply with the rules for dietary supplements and warns about products with hidden banned substances. The blocklist is expanded when new products with hidden dangerous substances appear on the market.
More information
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