The Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) has warned the public not to consume the Natural Power “SX Energy” Drink until results of the ongoing investigations are out later this week.

In an interview, Tuesday, ZABS Marketing and Public Relations officer Nzali Chella confirmed that the institution was carrying out investigations into the high energy drink, which is believed to contain substances that treat erectile dysfunctional men, and that the outcome would soon be made public.

“Yes, we are carrying out investigations on the allegations, and because of that I cannot give you any information until we jointly make a statement again to read out the results of the tests,” Chella said.

In a joint statement released, Monday, the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA), the Ndola City Council and ZABS informed the general public that investigations have been instituted on the natural power high energy drink, which is alleged to contain sildenafil citrate following social media reports emanating from Uganda that the energy drink Natural Power SX may contain this substance, which is used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men.

“We wish to inform the public that the three institutions are working together to ascertain the claims made about the product. Officers from the three institutions are on the ground to collect samples of the raw materials and of the finished product for analytical tests that will determine if there is any truth to the claims being made. The outcome of this investigation will be communicated to the public as soon as results are released,” the statement read.

In view of the foregoing, the three institutions have urged the public to immediately desist from consuming the drink until conclusive results are released that either confirm or dismiss the allegations.

“The manufacturers of the product, Revin Zambia Limited based in Ndola, have been ordered to halt the production and distribution of the energy drink until all investigations have been concluded and appropriate action taken,” read the statement.