Throat lozenges and candies contain ingredients that can agitate people's tongues and irritate their stomachs, the Consumer Council warned.
The watchdog tested 41 samples of throat lozenges and candies that people can buy in drugstores, supermarkets and department stores.
Ten were registered drugs, one was registered as a proprietary Chinese medicine, and the rest were classified as food products.
The watchdog said some samples did not have clear instructions on the daily intake limit and the possible side effects from improper use.
With 14 of the samples having high sugar levels, the council warned people are also at risk of intaking too much sugar if they consume an excessive amount of these products.
Ryukakusan cough drop was found to have the highest sugar content of 3.8 grams per lozenge.
People will be taking in 45 percent of the recommended daily sugar intake limit if they have six lozenges a day.
Among the tested samples, nine contained antiseptic ingredients like quaternary ammonium compound, 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol or amylmetacresol, which can treat mouth or throat infections.
Dequadin Lozenges Lemon contained 0.25 grams of dequalinium chloride.
Excessive intake of dequalinium chloride can cause pain in the tongue or mouth. Some experts also said children under six or even 10 should not consume such ingredients.
Four Strepsils samples containing 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol and amylmetacresol can help relieve mouth and throat symptoms.
But, the council said the excessive intake of 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol may cause stomach discomfort or irritate the central nervous system, while an excessive intake of amylmetacresol may cause facial swelling and breathing difficulties.
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