No plans to ban ‘Pei Pa Koa’ flavoured products, says Singapore agency

 

In Singapore, several food and beverage outlets sell products that are ‘Pei Pa Koa’ flavoured, from milk tea to bubble tea and ice cream. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

Singapore’s food safety agency does not plan to emulate the Malaysian health ministry in banning 

Pei Pa Koa

 cough syrup-flavoured food products.

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said 

Pei Pa Koa

 was a herbal syrup categorised as a Chinese proprietary medicine and regulated by the health sciences authority.

The authority said it was common for 

Chinese herbal materials

 to be used in small amounts as ingredients or flavourings for food, adding that such products were still subject to the SFA’s food safety laws.

“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. Nevertheless, consumers are advised to consume such products in moderation.

The SFA, in consultation with the health sciences authority and the food industry, will continue to evaluate the safe use of such herbal materials in food for long-term consumption,

 it told FMT.

Last week, Malaysia’s health ministry ordered ice cream shop Inside Scoop to halt sales of its 

Pei Pa Koa

 flavoured ice cream and for all adverts of the product to be taken down.

It said the preparation or sale of adulterated food was prohibited under Section 13B(2) of the Food Act 1983, which provides for up to five years in jail, a maximum RM20,000 fine, or both, upon conviction.

The ministry said the cough syrup was registered under the Drug Control Authority to relieve sore throat and cough and that pregnant women were advised against consuming the product.

In Singapore, several food and beverage outlets sell products that are 

Pei Pa Koa

 flavoured, from milk tea to bubble tea and ice cream. - FMT