Facebook users in Myanmar have repeatedly shared posts promoting a potentially harmful "diet coffee" product called Vitaccino alongside false claims it can help consumers lose weight without any side effects. However, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) told AFP the product contains a controlled substance known to "present a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, or stroke". Authorities in neighbouring Thailand said the product had been banned in the kingdom.

The post was shared here on Facebook on October 20, 2022.

The post's Burmese-language caption translates in part as: "Authentic diet coffee Vitaccino, the old version has arrived. Don’t worry about not losing weight. Vitaccino diet coffee is here."

The post goes on to claim the drink can help with losing "10 to 20 pounds" (about 4.5 to 9 kilos) naturally by promoting bowel movement and "controlling appetite without giving [consumers] diarrhoea".

"It can also reduce cholesterol in your bloodstream and can help you prevent strokes. The coffee has no side effects and can be used for adults from 18 to 60 of age," the post reads.

Similar posts advertising the product have also been shared dozens of times on Facebook here, here, here, here and here.

However, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) told AFP it found Vitaccino contains sibutramine, a controlled drug that poses a threat to consumers, particularly those with a history...

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