Ministry issues warning over sexual-performance enhancing products 

The Food and Drug Department of the Ministry of Health is warning people not to buy unlicensed sexual performance enhancing drugs being sold illegally online and on Facebook.  
Fake or low quality pills including a brand called “Girly Sex” can cause severe side effects and even death, health experts say.
Furthermore, all advertisements must be approved by the Food and Drug Department to avoid unverified claims and ensure citizens’ safety.
Department Director General, Dr Somthavy Changvisommid, gave an interview about the issue on Friday in the wake of posts on Facebook. He said that, apparently, an online retailer has been falsely advertising “Girly Sex” medication and making inaccurate claims.
The vendor even uses an import tax slip which, in reality, has no affiliation with the Food and Drug Department. All types of medication can be sold only by licensed pharmacists as it is important for patients’ allergies and medical history to be taken into consideration.
“We admit that the sale of fake or low quality pills, including Girly Sex and other products, is a common occurrence on Facebook, even though the authorities carry out regular inspections,” Dr Somthavy said.
This is also a problem in other Asean countries and Thailand’s health ministry recently issued a warning regarding unlicensed sexual performance drugs illegally sold online, he added.
He explained that after health authorities informed health officials about the problem they inspected the products at the invitation of the manufacturer and advised product makers to stop advertising them. The authorities also told the vendors of these goods to stop importing them.
It is illegal to sell any form of food using methods that are inconsistent with the laws and regulations.
Health officials also carry out inspections in markets once a month in the interests of consumer safety, in cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
Each visit by officials reveals sexual performance enhancing drugs illegally on sale, as well as fake products.
Sometimes inspections are carried out twice a week if there has been a report from a concerned citizen.
The Ministry of Health also works with the Industry and Commerce Department and the departments of Agriculture and Forestry, Health, and Science and Technology in undertaking the inspections.
According to the Law on Food, which was promulgated in 2004, particularly Article 34 on prohibitions concerning the import and sale of food, it is prohibited to import or distribute food that is unsafe, of [unacceptable] quality or standard, or inconsistent with the laws and regulations on food.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
(Latest Update October 21, 2019)