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A 67-year-old man was today (July 26) arrested in a joint operation by the Police and the Department of Health (DH) at Sham Shui Po for the suspected illegal sale of two unregistered pharmaceutical products that claim to contain glucosamine and vitamin D respectively.
Through the DH's surveillance programme, information was earlier received that Blackmores Glucosamine and Caltrate Plus with unregistered strength and pack size were offered for sale in an Internet auction website. In Hong Kong, Blackmores Glucosamine 500mg with a pack size of 90 tablets is registered (Registration number: HK-56134) and Caltrate Plus containing 200IU of Vitamin D with pack size of 60 tablets is registered (Registration number: HK-51984). However, the two products found in Internet auction sites contain no Hong Kong product registration number. Glucosamine and vitamin D are dietary supplements.
According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board before they can be sold legally in the market. The sale of unregistered pharmaceutical products is an offence for which the maximum penalty is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
DH's investigation continues.
The spokesman advised members of the public to buy or use only registered pharmaceutical products that bear a Hong Kong product registration number.
He strongly urged the public not to buy or use unregistered pharmaceutical products as they have not been evaluated by the Board and their safety, quality and efficacy may not be guaranteed. In addition, people should not buy such products from the market or the Internet.
"People should stop using the products immediately. They should consult healthcare professionals for advice if they feel unwell after taking the product concerned," the spokesman added.
The products can be submitted to the department's Drug Office at 3/F, Public Health Laboratory Centre, 382 Nam Cheong Street, Kowloon, during office hours for disposal.
Ends/Thursday, July 26, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:44
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