Caution on unregistered proprietary Chinese medicines
*****************************************************

     The Department of Health (DH) today (August 31) urged the public not to buy or use 10 unregistered proprietary Chinese medicines (pCms) (details at Annex) which were sold at Shop 26 & 27, G/F, Ngau Chi Wan Market, Kowloon.

     The appeal followed the DH's investigation into intelligence information related to the above premises.

     "The investigation so far has revealed that the pCms were imported from the Mainland by the shopkeeper and were only sold in the above shop. All these pCms are not registered in Hong Kong and bear no records of import. The DH has received no related adverse report so far. Investigation continues," a DH spokesman said.

     "The shopkeeper was arrested by the Police for the suspected contravention of Section 119 of the Chinese Medicine Ordinance, Cap. 549, which states that no person shall sell, import or possess any pCm unless the pCm is registered. The maximum penalty is a HK$100,000 fine and two years' imprisonment. The DH will work with the Department of Justice regarding possible prosecution on completion of the investigation," the spokesman added.

     The spokesman urged members of the public to stop using these pCms immediately and surrender them to the DH at 16/F, Two Landmark East, 100 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon. Also, if they feel unwell after using the pCms, they are advised to consult healthcare professionals.

     The list of registered pCm in Hong Kong can be viewed at this link: www.cmchk.org.hk/pcm/eng/idx_listpcmsearch.htm .

Ends/Friday, August 31, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:29

NNNN