The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has warned consumers against purchasing or consuming three food products sold online after laboratory testing detected unauthorised medicinal ingredients in them.
Among the products flagged was a honey supplement imported from Malaysia that was found to contain a prescription medicine commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction. The other two products were discovered to contain a laxative and a steroid respectively.
SFA has instructed sellers to immediately stop offering the affected products for sale and has worked with online platforms to remove the listings. Consumers who have already bought the products are advised not to consume them.
Honey Product Contained Prescription Erectile Dysfunction Drug
One of the products identified was B Solution Honey (Liquid), which is marketed as a supplement to enhance male vitality and sexual performance.
According to its online advertising, each box contains 10 sachets of honey, with users instructed to consume one sachet mixed with water every five to seven days. The product also claimed that its effects could be experienced within just 30 minutes.
Laboratory analysis, however, found the honey contained Tadalafil, a prescription-only medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. SFA stressed that the medicine should only be taken under the supervision of a qualified medical professional, as improper use can pose serious health risks.
Possible side effects include headaches, migraines, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, stroke and priapism — a prolonged and painful erection that requires immediate medical attention. The agency added that individuals taking nitrate-based heart medication could experience dangerously low blood pressure if they unknowingly consume products containing Tadalafil.
Barley Powder and Health Supplement Also Found Unsafe
Another affected product was Shaio-Ge Xian Li 365 S1 Botanical Beverage Mix Barley Seedling Powder, which originated from Taiwan.
The barley powder was found to contain Sennosides, a medicinal ingredient commonly prescribed to relieve constipation. While effective as a laxative when properly prescribed, consuming it unknowingly may lead to abdominal pain, stomach cramps, diarrhoea and low potassium levels, potentially causing muscle weakness or cramps.
SFA warned that prolonged or excessive use of laxatives may result in dehydration and a condition sometimes referred to as a “lazy bowel”, where the intestines become less effective at moving waste naturally.
Steroid Detected in Malaysian Supplement
The third product highlighted by the agency was Jus Tuan Haji 1921, a health supplement imported from Malaysia.
Testing revealed the presence of Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid that is normally prescribed to treat inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including arthritis, allergic skin disorders and certain joint diseases.
The medicine can cause a wide range of side effects if used without medical supervision, including acne, blurred vision, excessive hair growth, headaches, menstrual irregularities and Cushing’s syndrome. In severe cases or after excessive consumption, users may develop hallucinations, psychosis or serious electrolyte imbalances.
SFA Urges Consumers to Buy Only from Trusted Sources
The food safety authority has advised members of the public who have purchased any of the three products to stop consuming them immediately. Anyone who experiences unusual symptoms or has concerns after taking the products should seek medical advice promptly.
SFA also reminded consumers to be cautious when purchasing food or health-related products from unfamiliar online sellers. Buyers are encouraged to verify the credibility of sellers and avoid products making exaggerated health or performance claims, particularly those that promise rapid results.
The agency said it will continue monitoring food products available in Singapore and take enforcement action where necessary to safeguard public health.