The Department of Health warns consumers to avoid products containing Ascaris eggs as they can be harmful to health.

The appeal follows recent reports of the promotion of such products on a commercial website.

The department said Ascaris infestation as a means to lose weight has not been substantiated by scientific evidence and can cause abdominal pain and distension, vomiting, diarrhoea and malnutrition. Ascaris infestation can cause fatal intestinal, biliary tract or pancreatic duct obstruction. The worms can also invade organs like the lungs.

The infestation can be treated with medication that kills the parasite. However, surgical removal of the worms may also be required.