Harmful ingredients have been detected in overseas direct purchase food products marketed for their efficacy in inducing sleep and improving symptoms of depression and anxiety.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced on Thursday (July 2) that it had purchased and inspected 30 overseas direct purchase food products. The inspection revealed that 19 of these products contained ingredients and raw materials prohibited from domestic distribution, leading the ministry to block their entry into the country.

As the number of consumers seeking dietary supplements to address insomnia, depression, and anxiety has recently increased, the ministry purchased and tested 30 products from overseas online shopping malls that claimed to induce sleep or improve symptoms of depression and anxiety.

The results showed that 11 products marketed for sleep induction contained ingredients such as melatonin and 5-hydroxytryptophan, which are classified as prescription or over-the-counter drug components.

Additionally, 8 products marketed for treating depression and anxiety were found to contain drug ingredients such as 5-hydroxytryptophan and L-dopa, as well as substances prohibited for use in food, including yohimbine and bacopa.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has requested that the Korea Customs Service withhold customs clearance for the products identified as containing harmful ingredients.

Furthermore, the ministry has requested that the Korea Communications Standards Commission block access to the online sales websites and halt the sale of these products.