The Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) has issued a warning that the sale and promotion of ice cream products laced with cough syrup is not permitted and it should be stopped immediately. According to its statement released today, the sale and promotion of such products is a violation of Section 13B(2) of the Food Act 1983.
The Ministry through its Food Safety and Quality Division conducted checks at the premises that sold the product and discovered that the ice cream was sold with a syringe filled with Pei Pa Kao cough syrup. It clarified that the Pei Pa Koa cough syrup, also known as Ubat Batuk Cap Ibu dan Anak, is a registered product with the Ministry’s Drug Control Authority with the registration number MAL06061564T. The medicine is meant to be used to provide relief for sore throat and cough which is contraindicated for pregnant women as indicated on the product label.
Under Section 13B(2) of the Food Act 1983, it is forbidden to prepare or sell adulterated food. Violators could face fines of not more than RM20,000, imprisonment for a term not more than 5 years, or both.
The statement orders all premises that sell such products to cease sales and promotions for the safety of consumers and the general public. They reminded the food industry to be more responsible and comply with the Food Act 1983 and its regulations when it comes to marketing and sales. The Ministry has also warned the public to be more aware of food safety and to be diligent when it comes to food products laced with unsuitable or unsafe ingredients for consumption.
Ice cream chain Inside Scoop recently introduced its limited-time Pei Pa Kao ice cream which is said to be their most soothing and “cooling” ice cream yet. According to the product listing, the ice cream is made with real Pei Pa Kao and features swirls of creamy Vanilla Bean ice cream for a balanced treat.
At the time of writing, the product page has been pulled down following the statement released by the Ministry of Health.
Inside Scoop has posted an update that they are discontinuing their Pei Pa Kao ice cream flavour, effective immediately. Customers who have ordered the flavour online will be getting their refunds.
It is worth pointing out that Inside Scoop wasn’t the first to introduce the cough syrup-laced ice cream flavour. Another local ice cream brand offered the Pi Pa Kao flavour back in 2020.
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