The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has withdrawn Choice Irish Cream Flavoured Drink from the market after laboratory tests confirmed that it contained Sildenafil Citrate, a prescription-only drug used to treat erectile dysfunction.
In a statement on Wednesday, the FDA said the drink, manufactured by 1 Africa Industries Limited, was registered as a food product (alcoholic drink) and, therefore, should not contain any drug substances.
It noted that the discovery of Sildenafil Citrate — a Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor — in the beverage raises serious public health concerns, particularly because it was undeclared on the label.
READ ALSO:
The Authority explained that Sildenafil in a food product can dangerously interact with medications such as nitroglycerin, which could potentially cause stroke or heart attack.
In addition to these risks, the FDA warned that Sildenafil use could also result in painful, prolonged erections, psychological dependence, and long-term effects such as loss of vision or hearing.
The public has been advised to refrain from purchasing or consuming the drink.
The Authority also stated that it would take regulatory sanctions against producers of the drink over the adulteration of the product.