KUALA LUMPUR – The Health Ministry has ordered an ice cream brand to cease the sale of its newly launched product featuring a cough mixture known as Pei Pa Koa or Cap Ibu dan Anak.
The ministry has also directed all media platforms, including e-commerce and social media sites, to stop advertising the cough syrup-flavoured ice cream, which reportedly went on sale yesterday.
“The ministry, through the Food Safety and Quality Programme, has reviewed the sales activity at the business premises in question and found that the ice cream is served together with a syringe containing Pei Pa Koa cough medicine.
“This medicine is a registered product with the ministry’s Drug Control Authority under the ‘traditional’ category, used to relieve sore throats and coughs. The label states contraindications for pregnant women,” the ministry said in a statement today.
It emphasised that, under Section 13B(2) of the Food Act 1983, it is illegal to prepare or sell food mixed with medication.
Those convicted of this offence can face a fine not exceeding RM20,000, a maximum jail term of five years, or both.
“The public is also advised to be more sensitive to food safety issues and practice caution in buying food products that may be mixed with ingredients unsafe for consumption.”
Previously, an ice cream brand made headlines with its product featuring the cough syrup, with the company reportedly stating that the product uses actual Pei Pa Koa and vanilla bean swirls to create “a perfect soothing refreshment you won’t want to miss”.
Checks on the brand’s Instagram page revealed that its promotional video for the product has been removed.
However, the flavour remains listed on its website where online purchases can be made. – July 30, 2024