Dubai: The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has issued a circular withdrawing the Hamer Ginseng & Coffee Candy from the UAE market.
According to the Ministry’s circular, the Hamer Ginseng & Coffee Candy contains an undeclared chemical dubbed NorTaldalafil, which causes negative reactions in patients with heart disease, diabetes or high fat, especially those taking nitrate-containing drugs.
The move was announced by Dr Ameen Hussain Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Policy and Licensing at the ministry and vice-chairman of the Higher Committee for Drug Pricing and Registration.
Ruqaya Al Bastaki, head of the Pharmacy and Supply Section at the ministry, said the circular is based on the report by the ministry’s reference analysis laboratory, which proved that it contains NorTaldalafil, a chemical substance which causes a severe reduction in blood pressure. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has earlier announced its dangers, she added.
Al Bastaki pointed out that the circular has been sent to the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, Federal Customs Authority and the Food Safety Department of Dubai Municipality, after it was noted that the product was available in UAE shops.
She added that the sweet coffee candy is not registered with or approved by the Ministry of Health and Prevention.
The circular called on all concerned authorities to take measures to withdraw the product from the market and prevent its circulation and import. It also called for getting medical treatment in the event of any abnormal symptoms resulting from consuming the product.
