Choice Irish Cream Flavoured Drink Adulterated with Drug Substance- FDA

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has revealed that Choice Irish Cream Flavoured Drink has been adulterated with a drug substance.

This followed laboratory analysis conducted on the alcoholic drink manufactured by 1 Africa Industries Limited.

The product is said to be adulterated with Sildenafil Citrate, a Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, which is an undeclared drug substance.

“Sildenafil Citrate is a prescription-only medicine known for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) in men, as well as pulmonary arterial hypertension.”

The FDA held that the registered product must not contain any drug substance, adding that the presence of Sildenafil in a food product poses serious health and safety risks.

It explained that the drug is undeclared and can dangerously interact with medications like nitroglycerin, causing a sudden drop in blood pressure that may result in a heart attack or stroke.

“Beyond drug interactions, the use of Sildenafil may cause long-term health problems, including loss of vision or hearing; it can also lead to painful, prolonged erection and psychological dependence, further endangering consumers’ well-being.”

The Authority therefore advised against its consumption.

In the meantime, the FDA said it was working with 1 Africa Industries Limited to recall the products from the market for safe disposal, while appropriate regulatory actions are being initiated, as such adulteration of food products constitutes an offence and is in violation of Section 100 (4) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851).

Story by Hajara Fuseini

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