The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued an urgent public warning over the safety of Choice Irish Cream Flavoured Drink, manufactured by 1 Africa Industries Limited, after laboratory tests revealed the presence of an undeclared drug substance, Sildenafil Citrate, in the product.
In a statement issued by the FDA and sighted by The Chronicle ,it explained that Sildenafil Citrate, a prescription-only medication commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension, should not be present in food products. The drink is registered with the FDA strictly as an alcoholic beverage, and the addition of any drug substance is considered illegal and hazardous to public health.
According to the FDA, the consumption of this adulterated drink poses serious health risks, including dangerous interactions with medications such as nitroglycerin, which can cause sudden drops in blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke. Long-term effects of Sildenafil use may also include loss of vision or hearing, painful prolonged erections, and psychological dependence.
The FDA has therefore advised the public to immediately refrain from purchasing or consuming the product. Authorities are working closely with 1 Africa Industries Limited to recall the affected drinks from the market for safe disposal, and regulatory actions are being initiated against the company for violating Section 100(4) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851).
Consumers, retailers, and distributors are urged to report anyone offering Choice Irish Cream Flavoured Drink for sale to the nearest FDA office to ensure the product is removed from circulation.
The FDA emphasizes that adulteration of food products is a serious offence, and strict measures are being taken to safeguard public health.
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