Singapore bans Malaysian coffee product for containing erectile dysfunction drug

The Singapore Food Agency warned consumers not to consume Kopi Penumbuk, citing potential health risks including heart attack and stroke

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Singapore has ordered the recall of a Malaysian coffee product due to the presence of a drug used for treating erectile dysfunction. Photo: Lazada

Published: 5:28pm, 11 Mar 2025Updated: 9:14pm, 11 Mar 2025

Singapore has ordered the removal of a coffee product from Malaysia after detecting the presence of a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction in it, warning shoppers against buying or consuming the drink.

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) detected tadalafil, a potent prescription medicine, in Kopi Penumbuk sold on local e-commerce sites, which claimed to enhance male sexual performance.

“SFA has worked with various online e-commerce platforms to remove listings of the product and issued warnings to the respective sellers to refrain from selling the product with immediate effect,” the food safety regulator said in a statement on Monday.

The Singapore Food Agency has advised shoppers not to buy or consume Kopi Penumbuk. Photo: Singapore Food Agency

According to the agency, tadalafil should be given only under medical supervision as misuse can lead to harmful side effects such as heart attack, stroke, migraine, and priapism (painful and exceedingly long erections).

The pill can also pose risks to individuals with heart issues.

“They can cause potentially life-threatening low blood pressure in those who are on heart medications, especially those containing nitrates,” the statement added.

The SFA urged users who bought Kopi Penumbuk not to consume it.