PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry has ordered an immediate stop on sales of a cough-syrup flavoured ice cream.
This comes after advertisements of the ice cream offered by a local ice cream franchise appeared on social media.
The ministry said that it conducted inspections at premises selling the product and found that the 'Pei Pa Koa' brand cough syrup had been added to flavour the ice cream.
It said the cough syrup is registered in the Traditional category under the ministry's Drug Control Authority.
It also said the Food Act 1983 does not permit the preparation or sale of any food that has been mixed with medicines.
Those found guilty face a fine of not more than RM20,000, a jail term up to five years, or both.
"All premises have been ordered to stop selling the product.
"All advertisers, including ecommerce and social media platforms, are reminded to ensure food products there adhere to the Food Act 1983.
"The public is also advised to pay more attention towards food safety matters alongside being careful when purchasing food products that could be mixed with substances that are unsuitable or unsafe for consumption," it said in a statement on Tuesday (July 30).
The ministry said consumers with qualms about the safety of food products may check with district and state health authorities, the Public Complaints Management System website or the ministry's Food Safety and Quality Programme social media accounts.
In a statement, the company announced that it will immediately withdraw the Pei Pa Koa-flavoured ice cream from sale on the ministry's advice.
"We're really sorry for any hassle this might cause and we appreciate your understanding," it said.
