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Recall of suspected unregistered proprietary Chinese medicine (with photo)
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     The Department of Health (DH) today (August 22) instructed a licensed wholesaler of proprietary Chinese medicine (pCm), Roco International Medical Company Limited (Roco), located in Flat/Room 911, 9/F, Block B, Merit Industrial Centre, 94 To Kwa Wan Road, To Kwa Wan, Kowloon, to recall from consumers a suspected unregistered pCm called [Kingswood Herbal] Herbal Sep Capsules.

     "The appeal followed the DH's investigation into a complaint related to the above pCm. Preliminary investigation revealed that the pCm had not been registered with the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong (CMCHK)," a spokesman for the DH said.

     Roco obtained the pCm without any outer packaging from a company called Hong Kong Chung Shun Medical Manufactory Limited in Tuen Mun, and supplied the pCm under the brand name [Kingswood Herbal] Herbal Sep Capsules to another company called Kingswood (HK) Limited in Tsuen Wan, which then sold the pCm in the local market, including to a retailer called Wang Tai Dispensary in Kwai Chung. According to its package insert, the pCm is indicated for various infections such as upper respiratory infection.

     "Use of unregistered pCm may pose threats to public health as their safety, quality and efficacy are not proven. While the DH's investigation is ongoing, no related adverse reports have been received so far. Roco has set up a hotline (2356 9368) for related enquiries. We will closely monitor the recall," the 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 for the offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment. Upon completion of the investigation, we 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.

     Members of the public who have purchased the pCm should stop using it immediately and submit it to the DH's Chinese Medicine Division on 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.

     The public can also visit the CMCHK's website (www.cmchk.org.hk/pcm/eng/#main_listpcm.htm) for the list of registered pCms.

Ends/Friday, August 22, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:20

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