Why was the Pei Pa Koa ice cream banned?

Licorice root is one of the ingredients in the Pei Pa Koa herbal remedy commonly used to manage coughs and sore throat. — Filepic

On July 30 (2024), the Health Ministry announced that a local ice cream brand was banned from selling “Pei Pa Koa-flavoured ice cream”, citing that mixing the Pei Pa Koa cough syrup with food products is prohibited under Section 13B(2) of the Food Act 1983.

It is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication, including herbal medicine.