The products in question are tea products made by Power Root, including Alicafe and Alitea, and weight-loss and slimming tea and coffee products made by Leptin Pharmaceuticals Limited.

"Punitive measures, including imposition of fines, will be taken against violators of the directive," said Bashir bin Mustafa Abu Najm, director of the department in charge of licenses and control at the municipality.

Abu Najm added that tests carried out on samples of the US and Malaysian tea and coffee products showed that they contain sibutramine, an appetite-suppressant that is administered orally for the treatment of obesity.

Serious concerns have been expressed about the chemical's safety and have been banned in the UK and Europe. Sibutramine has the potential to cause heart-related health problems in some.

The municipality's action follows the imposition of a ban announced by the SFDA on Saturday regarding the sale of Nescafe Collections instant coffee as they might contain tiny pieces of glass.

Abu Najm said that municipal inspectors have intensified their rounds in the city to ensure the products are taken off shelves.