Recall of 59 suspected unregistered proprietary Chinese medicines
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     The Department of Health (DH) today (August 2) endorsed the Hong-Kai Pharmaceuticals Holdings Co Limited (Hong Kai) located at 117 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong to voluntarily recall from consumers 59 proprietary Chinese medicines (pCms) that are suspected to be unregistered with the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong (CMCHK). Details of these pCms are listed in the Attachment (Chinese only).

     The recall followed the DH's investigation into a public complaint related to the above pCms. Preliminary investigation revealed that the concerned pCms were found at two Chinese medicine (CM) clinics run by Hong Kai, namely "Hong-Kai Chinese Medicine Clinic (Kwun Tong)" located at the same address above and "Hong-Kai Chinese Medicine Clinic (Whampoa) Limited" located at 44 Man Tai Street, Hung Hom. According to the pCms' labels, the products were made in Taiwan. The pCms were then prescribed by the Chinese medicine practitioners (CMPs) of the above-mentioned two CM clinics to their clients. So far, no evidence shows that Hong Kai has further distributed the pCms to other clinics/retailers.

     "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 thus far. Hong Kai has set up a hotline at 3117 6896 for related enquiries. The DH has directed Hong Kai to follow up with its CMPs for recall of these prescribed unregistered pCms from their clients and monitor their health status. The DH will closely monitor the progress," 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 a fine of $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, Kowloon 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/Saturday, August 2, 2014
Issued at HKT 15:23

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