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The Department of Health (DH) today (September 13) urged members of the public not to use a cosmetic product labelled as "Alive Skin" as it was found to contain an undeclared Western drug ingredient.
Upon the investigation of a public complaint, the DH found that the above product was being offered for sale by a beauty centre in Tsim Sha Tsui. Analysis conducted by the Government Laboratory revealed that the product contained an undeclared Part I poison, namely clobetasol propionate.
The beauty centre was raided during a joint operation by the DH and the Police. During the operation, a 54-year-old woman was arrested for suspected illegal sale of an unregistered pharmaceutical product and Part I poison.
The DH's investigation is continuing.
"Clobetasol propionate is a corticosteroid used for the topical treatment of severe inflammatory skin disorders and is a prescription medicine to be used under medical advice. Inappropriate use of corticosteroids may cause serious side-effects such as Cushing's syndrome with symptoms including moon face and muscle atrophy," a DH spokesman explained.
According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138), all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be sold legally in the market. Illegal sale of unregistered pharmaceutical products and Part I poisons is a criminal offence. The maximum penalty is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
The spokesman strongly urged members of the public not to buy or use products of unknown or doubtful composition or from unknown sources. People who are using the product should immediately consult health-care professionals for advice. They may submit it to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1856, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.
Ends/Friday, September 13, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:24
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