HSA Alert: ‘Miracle Gold Candy’ and ‘C4 Candy’ Found to Contain Erectile Dysfunction Medicine; ‘Coco Hotz Cocoa Drink’ Detected with Steroid

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is alerting members of the public not to purchase or consume three adulterated products. HSA’s analysis of these products revealed that they contained potent medicinal ingredients which can cause serious adverse effects in consumers. The three products are:

2        The products were sold on local e-commerce (Carousell, Lazada, Shopee and Qoo10) and social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram). HSA has worked with the platform administrators to remove the affected listings and issued warnings to the sellers. Please refer to Annex A and Annex B of the pdf version for photos of the products and details on the potent adulterants.

High levels of erectile dysfunction medicine detected in ‘Miracle Gold Candy’

3        Officers from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) alerted HSA to ‘Miracle Gold Candy’ after detecting importations of the product. HSA was alerted to ‘C4 Candy’ by a member of the public who suspected that the product could be adulterated.

4        Both products were packaged as candies and marketed for sexual enhancement in men. The products’ labels carried exaggerated claims which are not expected to be present in candy products, such as “increase the strength and health of men” for ‘Miracle Gold Candy’, and “prevent premature ejaculation” and “help those with gout, diabetes and high blood pressure” for ‘C4 Candy’. Both products were tested by HSA to contain tadalafil, a prescription medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction. Notably, ‘Miracle Gold Candy’ contained up to over 30 times the usual daily dose of tadalafil. This can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack significantly.     

Weight loss claims on product raised consumer's suspicion

5        HSA received feedback from a consumer who suspected that ‘Coco Hotz Cocoa Drink’ could be an adulterated product due to its claims. ‘Coco Hotz Cocoa Drink’ was touted for slimming with claims such as “burn fat quickly” and “control appetite”. The product was tested by HSA and found to contain dexamethasone, a potent steroid. Long-term unsupervised use of steroids can cause serious adverse effects including increased blood glucose levels (which may lead to diabetes) and Cushing’s syndrome (a round face or ‘moon face’ appearance and upper body obesity with thin limbs and other associated medical conditions such as hypertension).

Advisory to consumers

6        Consumers are advised to:

• Stop taking ‘C4 Candy’ and ‘Miracle Gold Candy’ immediately and consult a doctor if you feel unwell or are concerned about your health.

• See a doctor as soon as possible if you have taken ‘Coco Hotz Cocoa Drink’ as it contains a potent steroid. Discontinuation of steroids without proper medical supervision can cause serious withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, confusion and low blood pressure.

• Be wary of products that carry exaggerated claims or deliver unexpectedly quick effects. They can contain potent ingredients that can seriously harm your health.

• Exercise caution when buying such products online or from well-meaning friends. You cannot be certain where and how these products were made.

Advisory to sellers and suppliers

7        All sellers and suppliers must stop selling these products immediately. HSA will not hesitate to take stern enforcement actions against anyone who sells and supplies products found to be adulterated with potent medicinal ingredients. Sellers and suppliers are liable to prosecution and if convicted, may be imprisoned for up to 2 years and/or fined up to $10,000.

8        Members of the public who have any information on the sale and supply of the illegal products may contact HSA's Enforcement Branch at Tel: 6866-3485 during office hours (Monday to Friday) or email: hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg.

HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE
8 OCTOBER 2021

Download PDF version here [PDF, 696 KB]