The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has ordered the immediate recall of Choice Irish Cream Flavoured Drink from the market after laboratory tests revealed that the product has been adulterated with Sildenafil Citrate — an undeclared prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction.
In a public notice issued on Wednesday, the FDA said the product, manufactured by 1 Africa Industries Limited, was found to contain Sildenafil Citrate, a Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, which is not approved for use in food or alcoholic beverages.
“It is important to note that Choice Irish Cream Flavoured Drink is registered with the Authority as a food product (an alcoholic drink) and must not contain any drug substance,” the statement said.
The Authority warned that the presence of the drug poses serious health and safety risks, particularly because it is undeclared and can dangerously interact with medications such as nitroglycerin, potentially causing a sudden drop in blood pressure that could lead to a heart attack or stroke.
It further cautioned that prolonged use of Sildenafil without medical supervision may lead to long-term health complications including vision or hearing loss, painful and prolonged erections, and psychological dependence.
The FDA has, therefore, advised the public to stop purchasing or consuming the adulterated product.
It added that the Authority is working with 1 Africa Industries Limited to recall the product from the market for safe disposal, noting that regulatory actions are being taken since the adulteration of food products contravenes Section 100(4) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851).
The public has also been urged to report any sightings of the product on sale to the nearest FDA office for immediate action.
The statement, signed by Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Manso Opuni, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the FDA, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring that all regulated products, including alcoholic beverages, are safe, of good quality, and properly manufactured.
