S’pore detects erectile dysfunction treatment drug in Malaysian candy

S’pore detects erectile dysfunction treatment drug in Malaysian candy

The republic’s food agency says there are serious health risks associated with the unauthorised use of tadalafil found in 'Kingu Ginseng Candy'.

The Singapore Food Agency has warned against consuming ‘Kingu Ginseng Candy’ due to its adulteration with tadalafil, a potent prescription medicine for erectile dysfunction. (SFA pic)
SINGAPORE:
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has advised consumers against purchasing or consuming the “Kingu Ginseng Candy” following its detection of adulteration with tadalafil, a potent prescription medicine for erectile dysfunction treatment.

The agency said the product, originating from Malaysia, has been marketed on various local e-commerce platforms as a candy with claims that it can enhance sexual performance among males.

“SFA has worked with various online e-commerce platforms to remove the listings of the product and issued warnings to the respective sellers to refrain from selling the product with immediate effect.

“SFA will not hesitate to take stern enforcement action against anyone who sells and supplies food products that are found to be adulterated with banned substances or potent ingredients as these would be unsafe food,” it said in a statement today.

It said tadalafil should only be given under medical supervision and its inappropriate use can lead to an increased risk of serious adverse effects, including heart attack, stroke, headache, migraine, irregular heart rate, and priapism (painful and exceedingly long erections).

It also said tadalafil poses serious risks to individuals with heart-related issues and causes potentially life-threatening low blood pressure, particularly in those taking heart medications containing nitrates.

The sale of unsafe food is prohibited under Section 15 of Singapore’s Sale of Food Act.

Those found guilty of contravening any provisions of the Act may be fined up to S$5,000 (RM17,400) for the first offence.

For subsequent convictions, they could be fined up to S$10,000 (RM34,900), jailed for a term not exceeding three months, or both.

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