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The Department of Health (DH) today (February 20) instructed a licensed wholesaler of proprietary Chinese medicines (pCm), Guangzhou Kanghe Pharmaceutical (Hong Kong) Company Limited (Guangzhou Kanghe), to recall from consumers 79 pCms that are suspected to be unregistered. Details of these pCms are listed in the Annex (Chinese only).
The recall followed the DH's routine inspection at Guangzhou Kanghe, located at Flat 12-22, 28/F, Hing Wai Centre, 7 Tin Wan Praya Road, Aberdeen. A total of 79 pCms, which had not been registered with the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong (CMCHK) were found at the premises. Preliminary investigation revealed that Guangzhou Kanghe had imported the pCms from the Mainland and sold them to local Chinese medicine practitioners (CMPs).
"The use of unregistered pCms may pose threats to public health as their safety, efficacy and quality have not been proven. While the DH's investigation continues, no related adverse reports have been received so far. Guangzhou Kanghe has set up a hotline on 2587 8848 for related enquiries. Guangzhou Kanghe will also follow up with the CMPs involved for recall of these prescribed unregistered pCm from their clients. The DH will closely monitor the recall," a DH spokesman said.
"According to Section 119 of the Chinese Medicine Ordinance (Cap 549), no person shall sell, import or possess any pCm unless the pCm is registered. The maximum penalty is $100,000 and two years' imprisonment. Upon completion of the investigation, the DH will work with the Department of Justice on prosecution matters. The DH will also refer this case to the CMCHK for consideration of possible disciplinary action," the spokesman added.
The spokesman urged members of the public who have obtained the unregistered pCms to stop using them immediately and submit the products to the Chinese Medicine Division of the DH at 16/F, AIA Kowloon Tower, Landmark East, 100 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, during office hours for disposal. They should consult health-care professionals if they feel unwell.
Members of the public may visit the website of the CMCHK (www.cmchk.org.hk/pcm/eng/#main_dis.htm) for the list of registered pCms.
Ends/Thursday, February 20, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:35
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