Harmful ingredients have been detected in overseas direct purchase food products that claimed to offer benefits such as sleep induction and the improvement of depression and anxiety symptoms.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) announced that it had tested 30 overseas direct purchase food products and identified 19 items containing ingredients prohibited from domestic entry, subsequently blocking their import.

The ministry conducted the tests by purchasing 30 products from overseas online shopping malls, noting a recent increase in consumers seeking dietary supplements to address insomnia, depression, and anxiety.

As a result, 11 products claiming to aid sleep were found to contain melatonin and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), which are ingredients classified as prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

Additionally, 8 products marketed for treating depression and anxiety were found to contain pharmaceutical 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 stated that it has requested the Korea Customs Service to withhold customs clearance for the products confirmed to contain harmful ingredients.

(Photo: Provided by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Yonhap News)