The Ministry of Health (MoH) issued an alert on a health product found to be adulterated with undeclared, scheduled poisons, listed in the Poison Act, yesterday.
The product, Raja Sodoq Strawberry, was found adulterated with sildenafil after testing by the Laboratory of Pharmacy Section of the Department of Scientific Services.
The adulterants found in the product can cause adverse effects potentially hazardous to the people taking them.
Sildenafil is a drug used to treat male impotency and can only be prescribed by a qualified doctor or physician. Among the side effects include nausea, vomiting, flushing and dizziness. In severe cases, it can also result in abnormal increase in heart rate, sudden loss of hearing and seizures.
The MoH has not issued any approval for the importation for the sale of this product. Following these findings, the product is not allowed to be imported and sold in Brunei Darussalam.
Members of the public who have purchased or used this product are advised to stop using the product immediately. They should also consult a medical practitioner if they feel unwell or experience any undesirable reactions as a result of using the product.
Retail of this product (including online retail such as through Facebook) is an offence under the Poisons Act 1956 and the penalty for such an offence upon conviction, is a fine of BND8,000 or six-month imprisonment.
If a person commits an act that amounts to such a degree of negligence so as to endanger or be likely to endanger human life, they will be guilty of an offence carrying a penalty fine of BND16,000 and 12-months imprisonment.
