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Following is a question by the Hon Tsang Yok-sing and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr York Chow, in the Legislative Council today (June 6):
Question:
It has been reported that the data of the accident and emergency departments of six hospitals under the Hospital Authority showed that from July 2005 to the end of last year, there were altogether 12 poisoning cases relating to slimming medication, and the slimming medication involved in three of such cases had been purchased on the Internet. The Administration has also indicated that it will request the medication supplier to delete the relevant information from the Internet if there is a breach of regulations. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) given that some slimming products on the market may have side effects although they do not contain Chinese or western medicine, or any illegal or harmful substances, and even though no false information is given in their trade descriptions and labels, the possible side effects are not stated clearly, of the existing measures taken by the Government to monitor the registration, contents of the labels, advertisements and sale of such products;
(b) of the number of times the Government had requested persons-in-charge of auction web sites to delete from their web sites information on problematic slimming products in the past three years; whether it has examined if it is illegal for them to reject such requests; if it has, of the examination results; if it is illegal, of the number of relevant prosecutions; if it is not illegal, how the Government follows up cases in which such requests are rejected; and
(c) how it steps up publicity and education to inform the public of the hazards of abusing slimming products?
Reply:
Madam President,
(a) In general, slimming products are not classified as pharmaceutical products and no registration is required. However, if slimming products are adulterated with western drug ingredient(s) such as sibutramine and phentermine, they must be registered before sale under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (PPO). Under the PPO, the labels of the products must contain such particulars as its ingredients and the quantity thereof; the name and address of the manufacturer; and the pharmaceutical registration number. Sibutramine is classified as Part I poison while phentermine falls within the classification of dangerous drugs. All slimming products containing these ingredients must be supplied or prescribed by medical practitioners and obtained from a pharmacy under the supervision of a pharmacist. Medical practitioners and pharmacists will advise patients on the usage, precautions and side effects of these drugs where appropriate so as to ensure their safe and effective use. Any person who unlawfully sells a Part I poison is liable, upon conviction, to a maximum fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years. Any person who unlawfully supplies a dangerous drug is liable, upon conviction on indictment, to a maximum fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for 15 years. Advertisements published in Hong Kong are required to comply with the existing legislation such as the Undesirable Medical Advertisements Ordinance and the Trade Descriptions Ordinance. Under the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, slimming products which are for oral administration and do not contain any Chinese or western drug ingredient(s) must be fit for human consumption.
(b) Drugs (including slimming products adulterated with western drug ingredient(s)) being sold at local auction websites are also subject to the regulation of the PPO. For drugs manufactured overseas, application for an import licence is required under the Import and Export Ordinance before their import into Hong Kong. The Department of Health (DH) monitors auction websites regularly. When DH finds any Part I poisons or slimming products known to be adulterated with western drug ingredient(s) are being listed for auction on auction websites, it will immediately require the websites to delete the information about such products. Over the past three years, the DH has, on 20 occasions, required the persons-in-charge of local internet auction websites to delete information about slimming products adulterated with western drug ingredient(s). No person-in-charge of website has ever refused to do so.
(c) DH has stepped up random testing of slimming products and conducts investigations into cases referred by the public or the Hospital Authority. For slimming products which are found adulterated with western drug ingredient(s), the DH will announce the details, advise the public not to use the product and take enforcement actions.
In addition, the Hong Kong Poison Control Network coordinated by DH was launched on April 21, 2007. Through this network, we make regular public announcements on poisoning cases, including those caused by slimming products, with a view to alerting the public and reducing poisoning incidents.
To promote positive health values, DH advises the public to maintain a suitable body weight through balanced diet and adequate exercise. An excessive loss of body weight may cause problems such as osteoporosis, reduction in immunity and malnutrition. These messages are communicated to the public by DH through announcements of public interest on television and radio, pamphlets, posters, website (www.cheu.gov.hk) and a 24-hour Health Education Hotline (2833 0111).
Ends/Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Issued at HKT 14:31
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