Is Inside Scoop’s cough syrup-flavored ice cream safe for consumption?
PETALING JAYA: A senior pharmacist has raised significant concerns about the safety of incorporating medicinal products into food items following the launch of a new ice cream flavor by the local chain Inside Scoop. The new flavor, which features Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa, a traditional herbal cough syrup, has drawn scrutiny.
Ong Aik Liang, Chief Pharmacist at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Specialist Children’s Hospital, warned against the use of medicinal syrups in food, emphasizing that while Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa is designed to relieve throat irritations, its addition to food products poses risks.
Inside Scoop’s promotional campaign for the new ice cream, described as containing real Pei Pa Koa and vanilla bean swirls, has been highlighted on Instagram. Promotional content shows the cough syrup being consumed from the bottle and features celebrity endorsements, including a video with British singer Zayn Malik.
Ong expressed concern about the safety of blending traditional medicines with foods like ice cream, which are commonly consumed by children. He criticized the lack of dosage guidelines associated with such products and pointed out that the large amounts of cough syrup used in the ice cream could potentially lead to overdose.
The traditional cough syrup’s inclusion in a food product raises questions about its regulation and the potential public health implications. Ong stressed the need for clear labeling and dosage instructions to prevent misuse and ensure consumer safety.
Previous regulatory warnings, including those from the Philippines Food and Drug Administration and the Taiwan Department of Health, have addressed concerns about Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa and its herbal components. Ong cautioned that this new ice cream flavor could set a concerning precedent for the incorporation of medicinal substances in food items.
The Health Ministry has not yet responded to requests for comment, and Inside Scoop has also not provided a statement on the matter.