PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry has issued a public health alert following reports from Singapore's Food Agency (SFA) that "Kingu Ginseng Candy", a Malaysian product, contains tadalafil, a substance used to treat erectile dysfunction.

       Subsequently, the ministry has taken action to curb the sale and advertising of this product on various platforms, including Lazada.

       An investigation by the ministry’s Food Safety and Quality Programme found that the candy was available online and that its labelling did not meet the stipulations of the Food Regulations 1985.

       It added that the product also lacked crucial information, such as the manufacturer's and distributor's details.

       “We have directed all merchants, particularly online retailers, to stop selling these products immediately,” the ministry said in a statement on Monday (April 15).

       The ministry has also directed the suspension of all product advertising.

       “Tadalafil is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. Medications containing tadalafil should only be supplied by a doctor or obtained from a pharmacy with a doctor's prescription.

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       “Unsupervised use of tadalafil can lead to serious health effects such as reduced or lost vision and hearing, a sudden drop in blood pressure to dangerous levels, and effects on the cardiovascular system, including strokes and heart attacks,” it added.

       The ministry said that since 2018, 2.03% of 1,575 product samples suspected of containing scheduled poisons tested positive for prohibited substances.

       “The ministry has taken action against those responsible for these violations.

       “The Food Act 1983 prescribes severe penalties for vendors who sell food containing harmful substances, which could include a fine of up to RM 100,000 or up to 10 years imprisonment, or both,” the Health Ministry said.

       Individuals who consumed the ginseng candy were also advised to discontinue its usage immediately and seek medical advice.

       For more information or to report health concerns related to food safety, the public can contact the nearest District Health Office, the State Health Department, or visit the Food Safety and Quality Programme at http://moh.spab.gov.my or its official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/bkkmhq.