SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): Sad to see Pei Pa Koa-flavoured ice-cream pulled from stores in Malaysia last week?
Food products containing the popular Chinese herbal syrup, also known as pi pa gao, are allowed in Singapore if they meet the food safety requirements here, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said on Aug 6 in response to queries.
Pei Pa Koa is a herbal syrup classified as a Chinese Proprietary Medicine, regulated by the Health Sciences Authority, according to SFA.
According to the authority’s website, a Chinese Proprietary Medicine contains one or more active ingredients from any plant, animal or mineral, or any combination of sources. All active ingredients have to be documented for use in traditional Chinese medicine.
“In view of the low levels of each herbal ingredient in the food, Pei Pa Koa-flavoured food products are unlikely to have any food safety issues,” said SFA.
Still, consumers should consume such products in moderation, it added.
The agency said, in consultation with HSA and the food industry, it will continue to evaluate the safe use of such herbal materials in food for long-term consumption.
On July 30, Malaysia’s Ministry of Health declared that the sale of ice-cream mixed with Pei Pa Koa was prohibited as the solution was registered with the country’s drug control authority, noting that the product’s label states that pregnant women are not advised to take the product.
Under Malaysia’s Food Act, it is an offence to mix food with drugs, and those found guilty of doing so can be fined up to RM20,000 (S$5,930), jailed for up to five years, or both.
Since the thick, honey-like syrup was reportedly discovered in China during the Qing dynasty, the cough and sore throat remedy has attracted fans waxing lyrical of its soothing properties.
The product by Nin Jiom, a Chinese medicine manufacturer in Hong Kong, contains ingredients such as the bulb of the Himalayan frillitary lily and loquat leaves, which are commonly used in traditional medicine.
Among its fans are American singer-songwriter Jason Mraz and British singer Zayn Malik, who dubbed Pei Pa Koa as a “special elixir” that is “ridiculously good for your vocal cords”.
In Singapore, Pei Pa Koa fans have got their fix from an assortment of desserts and drinks.
On Aug 2, ice cream parlour Tom’s Palette welcomed Malaysians to try their Pei Pa Koa ice cream, which it first sold in 2015.
“We’ve got your back here across the causeway,” quipped the parlour on its Facebook page.
Fans can also buy herbal mint milk tea containing the syrup from bubble tea chain Woobbee, which has five outlets around the island.
In 2019, Japanese restaurant Unagiya Ichinoji Dining launched a layered Pei Pa Koa Cheesecake.
Meanwhile, speakeasy Lou Shang in Prinsep Street serves up a signature drink, named Three Times a Day, which features Wild Turkey rye, vermouth and Fernet Menta – along with a splash of Pei Pa Koa. - The Straits Times/ANN
