Singapore opts to retain Pei Pa Koa in food products

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) stated that food products containing the popular Chinese herbal syrup, Pei Pa Koa, are permitted in Singapore.

This reason is that herbal syrup does not cause issues in small quantities.

“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,” said SFA in a statement.

SFA noted that it is typical for Chinese herbal ingredients to be used in small quantities for flavouring or as components in food.

However, these products must still adhere to the SFA’s food safety regulations, added the agency.

Malaysia’s Health Ministry prohibited the sale of Pei Pa Koa-flavoured ice cream at Inside Scoop on July 30, citing that the syrup is registered with the drug control authority and advising pregnant women against its use.

According to Section 13B(2) of the Food Act 1983, mixing food with drugs is illegal, and violators can face fines up to RM20,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.