A number of traditional Chinese medicine shops in Northern Ireland have been ordered to withdraw some healthcare remedies found to contain sex stimulants, it was revealed today.
Health officials discovered the active ingredients of Viagra and Cialis among some products that were seized last month. Inspectors checked six shops, and a file is to be sent to the Public Prosecution Service.
Analysis by the Department of Health found the products included Sildenafil (or Tadalafil), which is the active ingredient of Viagra and Cialis - prescription only medicines.
Illegal and toxic substances were discovered in products that were labelled Mr Dragon 100% natural male tonic, Dragon Power, King 100% Natural Male Tonic, Zhandaodi, and a product only bearing Chinese characters.
All of them could pose a risk to public health, according to the department.
Chief pharmaceutical officer Dr Norman Morrow said: "I recognise that many people value herbal remedies, such as traditional Chinese medicines. I want people to continue to have that choice.
"However we now have evidence that, in some cases, the medicines controls applying in this country for public confidence and safety are being breached."
PA