A company was fined RM10,000 for selling coffee containing Tadalafil, a scheduled poison, posing serious health risks to consumers.
KUALA LUMPUR: A company was fined RM10,000 by the Selayang Sessions Court after pleading guilty to selling coffee containing a scheduled poison.
The company, represented by its director Teh Yew Sim, was charged under the Food Act 1983 for selling 40 sachets of “Kopi Jantan Traditional” (Healthy Man Coffee).
The product was found to contain 1310.61 mg/kg of Tadalafil, a substance prohibited as a food additive.
The offence occurred at a food premise in Batu Caves in August last year.
Prosecuting officer V.S. Vivig Dinesh from the Gombak District Health Office highlighted the severe health risks associated with Tadalafil consumption.
“Tadalafil can only be administered via prescription from registered doctors and is strictly prohibited as a food additive,” he said.
He warned that the coffee could cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, cardiovascular disturbances, and dangerous interactions with heart medications.
Side effects include heart attacks and strokes, with cases of adding poison to food becoming more prevalent for quick profit.
Teh, who was unrepresented, pleaded for leniency, stating he is the sole family provider and promised not to repeat the offence.
Judge Norazlin Othman ordered a warrant of levy if the fine was not paid, which the company subsequently settled.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of a RM20,000 fine, five years’ imprisonment, or both.
