KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 – The Health Ministry has ordered an ice cream chain to stop selling a limited edition Pei Pa Koa flavoured ice cream, saying it is an offence to serve the cough syrup in this way.

The ministry explained that Section 13B(2) of the Food Act 1983 prohibits the adulteration of food with medicines, an offence punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine not exceeding RM20,000, or both on conviction.

It said officials from the Food Safety and Quality Programme (PKKM) confirmed that the chain served ice cream containing the cough syrup Pei Pa Koa, which is registered with the Drug Control Agency as a traditional medicine with contraindications for pregnant women.

“Therefore, all establishments involved in the sale of this product are ordered to immediately stop selling all such products for the safety of consumers and the public,” the ministry said in a statement today.

“In addition, all advertising media, including e-commerce platforms and social media, must stop broadcasting advertisements for this food.”

The ministry did not name the chain concerned, but ice cream chain Inside Scoop announced yesterday a limited edition Pei Pa Koa flavor.

However, the chain seems to have removed this product from its range, as the flavor page now shows that the product can no longer be found.