Introduction:A pre-packaged coffee that was once explicitly banned from sale by Malaysia’s Ministry of Health continues to circulate in the market. Its illegal addition of the prescription drug ingredient sildenafil may pose potentially fatal health risks. This article delves into the background of the product’s ban, common adverse symptoms, real consumer feedback, and cites relevant domestic case law to remind the public to identify illegal additives and choose safe, compliant coffee products.
In Malaysia, a pre-packaged coffee named “Panggung AL-Ambiak Natural Herbs Coffee” (commonly translated in Chinese as “Tongkat Ali Herbal Coffee”) was found to illegally contain the prescription drug ingredient sildenafil. As early as 2020, it was included in the “Notification on Prohibiting the Sale of Foods Containing Toxic Substances and Bearing False Label Information” issued by the local Ministry of Health. However, this product is still circulating through some channels, with unaware consumers purchasing and consuming it, posing significant health hazards.
Renowned physician Dr. Ahmous Khan issued a warning via social platform X (formerly Twitter), pointing out that the sildenafil contained in “Kopi Songkok” (the market colloquial name for this herbal coffee) is a prescription medication originally used to treat certain cardiovascular conditions, and must be strictly controlled in dosage under a doctor’s evaluation. But this coffee adds the ingredient without medical guidance, and consumers who ingest it may experience acute reactions such as headaches, palpitations, and sudden drops in blood pressure, which can even lead to stroke or death in severe cases.
Dr. Ahmous Khan further explained that the mechanism of action of sildenafil is to dilate blood vessels to improve blood flow, but when taken in excess or interacting with other substances, it can cause a sharp drop in blood pressure, placing excessive strain on the cardiovascular system. He pointed out that this ingredient is only available by prescription, and its illegal addition to food is unlawful. Moreover, consumers have no way of controlling the dosage they ingest, making the risk extremely high.
According to feedback received by physicians on social media, many people experienced noticeable discomfort after consumption. Some users reported drinking a cup to stay alert during night work, only to develop symptoms such as abnormally high blood pressure and persistent fever the next day, requiring emergency medical treatment, with some even suffering psychological trauma that led them to refuse any coffee products afterward. These cases highlight the immediate threat posed by illegal additives to health.
It is worth noting that the continued circulation of such non-compliant products reflects some consumers’ misconception about “natural herbal coffee,” mistakenly believing that products labeled with traditional herbal ingredients such as “Tongkat Ali” are inherently safe. In reality, if a product lacks rigorous quality control and ingredient scrutiny, it may harbor illegal additives. When making purchases, consumers should prioritize products with clear ingredient labeling and official certification.
Similar cases have also occurred domestically. According to reports from judicial authorities, a businessman surnamed Lin set up three online stores on an e-commerce platform to sell a food product called “Tongkat Ali Maca Coffee.” Tests revealed that the coffee contained sildenafil. Investigations showed that Lin sold a total of 777 packages, with sales amounting to 13,000 RMB. In April of this year, the court sentenced Lin to 11 months in prison for the crime of “producing and selling toxic and harmful food,” along with a fine of 25,000 RMB, an additional punitive compensation of ten times the sales amount, the publication of a consumer warning, and a public apology notice.
This legal case serves as another reminder that foods illegally adulterated with prescription drug ingredients not only endanger health but also cross legal red lines. When selecting coffee products, consumers should carefully examine the ingredient list and avoid products with vague labeling or claims of “strong energy boosting” or “special effects” without specific explanations. If symptoms such as headaches, nausea, or palpitations occur after consumption, usage should be stopped immediately and medical attention sought.
Currently, Malaysia’s Ministry of Health has explicitly banned the sale of “Panggung AL-Ambiak Natural Herbs Coffee” containing sildenafil, but it still occasionally circulates in the market. The public should remain vigilant, purchase through legitimate channels, and choose reputable brands to ensure drinking safety.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
