MOHW Says Stop Taking Vitafel-L And Other Supplements

If you’re currently using any of the tainted supplements that the Ministry of Health and Wellness has flagged, Doctor Melissa Diaz-Musa urges you to stop right away. She emphasized that there could be serious long-term side effects. And for those selling these products, be warned—you could face fines.

 

Paul Lopez

“The Vitafer-L was being marketed as this energy or enhancement supplement, especially in the party scenes, among clubs and those who go out at night. What becomes of those persons pushing the Vitafer-L.”

Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa, Director, Public Health and Wellness

“What happens at this point because the drug inspection unit did their surveillance and found that it is available in Belize, we have contacted these persons and removed all these medications and try to find the source as best as possible.”

 

Paul Lopez

“Could charges or fines be levied against individuals pushing these products?”

 

Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa

“That is right, the ministry do have the Food and Drugs regulation that covers us. There are fines, minimal fines, that we have used before when we have persons with falsified products in the country.”

 

Paul Lopez

“What is the medical advise to individual that have consumed and been consuming these tainted supplements.”

 

Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa

“The first three has one particular medication and Vitafer has a separate medication. In terms of the Vitafer the best advice is not to take it. It can have side effects that can be very severe. We say do not take it at all but there is nothing you can do at this point. The others can cause long term side effects. So we would advise stop taking it and report where you got it from, try to work with the ministry of health to remove all from the vendors and shelves across the country.”