Artisanal handcrafted ice cream brand Inside Scoop made a splash yesterday when it dropped the latest addition to its menu: the decidedly unique “Pei Pa Koa ice cream.” Available only until 18th August at all its outlets, the offbeat offering comprises a vanilla bean ice cream base laced with swirls of Malaysia’s favourite traditional cough syrup, Pei Pa Koa, also known as Cap Ibu dan Anak cough syrup. The exotic promo took no time in blowing up on social media platforms, going viral as Malaysians expressed curiosity and intrigue over the seemingly bizarre but potentially tasty treat.
Turns out, the unconventional dessert also caught the attention of the Health Ministry (KKM), which earlier today issued a statement announcing that it has banned the sale and promotion of the cough mixture-laced ice cream on the grounds that it contravenes Section 13B (2) of the Food Act 1983, which prohibits the incorporation of items considered medicine into consumer food products.
KKM did not mention Inside Scoop by name, referring only to “an ice cream chain” offering “Pei Pa Koa-laced ice cream” – but no other such establishment is currently offering cough syrup ice cream to Malaysians.
The Ministry said it made its decision after officers from its Food Safety and Quality Program (PKKM) made an inspection of one of the chain’s outlets and determined that the ice cream contains actual Pei Pa Koa cough syrup, which is registered with the Drug Control Authority as a traditional medicine, and is not recommended for consumption by pregnant women.
As a result, KKM ordered the chain to immediately cease the product’s sale, as well as advertising on all media, including e-commerce platforms, in the name of consumer safety.
The Ministry emphasised that failure to abide by the order would constitute an offence punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine of no more than RM20,000, or both, upon conviction.
Meanwhile, as of 6pm today, Inside Scoop had pulled the item from its menu, and issued a statement on X, explaining that it is discontinuing its Pei Pa Koa ice cream with immediate effect, on advice from the Health Ministry.
