FDA orders recall of Choice Irish Cream Flavoured Drink containing erectile dysfunction drug

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued an immediate recall of Choice Irish Cream Flavoured Drink after laboratory tests confirmed that the product had been adulterated with Sildenafil Citrate, a prescription-only medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

In a statement released on November 5, 2025, the FDA explained that the drink, manufactured by 1 Africa Industries Limited, was registered as a food product and, therefore, should not contain any drug substances. The discovery of Sildenafil Citrate — a Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor — in the beverage raises serious public health concerns, particularly because it was undeclared on the label.

According to the FDA, consumption of Sildenafil without medical supervision poses severe health and safety risks, especially for individuals using medications like nitroglycerin. The combination can cause a sudden and dangerous drop in blood pressure, potentially leading to heart attacks or strokes.

Beyond these risks, the FDA warned that Sildenafil use could also result in painful, prolonged erections, psychological dependence, and long-term effects such as loss of vision or hearing.

“The public is therefore strongly advised to refrain from purchasing or consuming this product,” the statement read.

The Authority is collaborating with 1 Africa Industries Limited to withdraw the product from the market for safe disposal, while initiating regulatory action against the company for adulteration of a food product — an offence under Section 100 (4) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851).

The FDA further advised consumers, retailers, and distributors to comply with the recall directive and report any continued sale of the product to the nearest FDA office.