Two 'candies' found to contain high levels of erectile dysfunction medication: HSA
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has warned members of the public to not purchase or consume two types of “candy” – named “Hickel” and “Solomon Island Soloco Traditional Candy” – that are being sold online.
In a news release on Tuesday (26 February), the HSA said that the products were found to contain very high levels of tadalafil, which is an “undeclared potent medicinal ingredient used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction”.
The amounts of tadalafil found in the “candies” were up to 30 times higher than the usual prescribed daily dose. “Consuming such high levels of tadalafil is dangerous and would increase the risk of serious adverse effects, including heart attacks, stroke, vision and hearing loss,” said HSA.
Noting that tadalafil should only be used under medical supervision, the authority also warned that it can pose serious risks to certain patients, including those with heart-related problems.
All sellers and suppliers of “Hickel” and “Soloco” have also been ordered to stop selling them immediately as they are illegal products and contain potent medicinal ingredients.
Those who continue to do so will be liable to prosecution and face up to three years’ jail along with a possible fine of up to $100,000 if convicted.
Products sold online
The authority said it was alerted to the “Hickel” by a journalist, while “Soloco” products were seized from at 29-year-old woman at the Woodlands Checkpoint.
Further investigation found that both products were being sold on various local e-commerce and social media platforms, including Facebook.
HSA noted that the products had been advertised with terms such as “100% natural”, “pure plant formula” and “no side-effects”.
“They were also marketed in a manner to mislead consumers into thinking that they were candies, with exaggerated claims to improve cardiovascular and kidney health, diabetic conditions, vitality, fertility and immunity,” said the authority.
“HSA is working with the administrators of the local online platforms to remove the product listings.”
Misleading packaging
A similar illegal product, “Candy B” was seized and tested by the HSA in 2017. It was also found to contain tadalafil.
Both the “Hickel” and “Soloco” products were promoted to be “better than Candy B”, said HSA, noting that the items came packaged individually in attractive wrappers inside tin containers or boxes.
The items’ packaging also included “nutritional information” and quality certification marks such as the UK Food Standards Agency logo and Good Manufacturing Practice logo, respectively. Boxes of the “Soloco” product also came with a QR verification code for authenticity checks.
“These characteristics were likely intended to mislead consumers into thinking that the products are safe and of good quality,” said HSA.
Advice to consumers
Those who have consumed the two products have been advised to consult a doctor if they are feeling unwell.
Buyers of health products have should also be wary of any products promising miraculous effects or carrying exaggerated claims, as they may contain undeclared potent ingredients or prescription medications.
“You cannot be certain where and how these products were made. They may be well-packaged or appear certified to meet international standards, but in fact contain undeclared ingredients which can seriously harm your health,” said HSA.
Those who have any information on the sale and supply of “Hickel” and “Soloco” can contact the HSA’s Enforcement Branch at 6866-3485 (Monday to Friday; office hours) or e-mail: hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg
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