On Monday, the National Consumer Commission called on members of the public not to consume the popular energy drink ‘Power Natural High Energy Drink SX’.

The drink, which is manufactured in Zambia, was banned last month by authorities in that country after it was discovered that it contains large quantities of sildenafil citrate, which is reportedly not disclosed on the product labelling.

Sildenafil citrate is an active ingredient in oral medication for erectile dysfunction and is only available on prescription after assessment and recommendation by a medical doctor.

The ban followed a complaint by Zambia’s medication regulator in December suggesting that the Power Natural High Energy Drink SX had been spiked with Viagra.

The Zambian authorities have warned of serious harmful side effects if products containing sildenafil citrate are not administered properly. The potential side effects of sildenafil citrate include penile tissue damage and permanent loss of potency.

Trevor Hattingh, spokesperson of the National Consumer Commission, said that they were in contact with Zambian authorities and were gathering more information about Power Natural High Energy Drink SX and its local distributor, with a view to ordering the company to recall it from the market.