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The Department of Health (DH) today (September 18) raided a retail shop in Mong Kok for suspected illegal sale and possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products.
Following a public complaint, it was found that the above shop had been offering for sale suspected unregistered pharmaceutical products. Various products, including an oral gel and two external preparations, were seized in the operation today. Preliminary investigation indicated that the oral gel contained benzocaine, the cream contained hydrocortisone and the ointment contained neomycin, polymyxin B and bacitracin. Hong Kong pharmaceutical product registration numbers were not found on any of the product labels.
The DH's investigation is ongoing.
Benzocaine and hydrocortisone are Part I poisons. Benzocaine is a local anaesthetic for the relief of pain and itching. Hypersensitive reactions are common side-effects. Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid and inappropriate or excessive application can cause skin problems. Neomycin, polymyxin B and bacitracin are antibiotics and inappropriate use may lead to drug resistance.
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. Part I poisons should be sold at pharmacies under the supervision of registered pharmacists. Illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products and Part I poisons are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment. According to the Antibiotics Ordinance (Cap 137), illegal sale or possession of antibiotics is also a criminal offence. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $30,000 and one year's imprisonment.
The DH strongly urged members of the public not to buy or use unregistered pharmaceutical products. All registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of "HK-XXXXX".
"Use of unregistered pharmaceutical products may pose health threats to people as their safety, efficacy and quality are not guaranteed. Members of the public should not self-medicate without advice from healthcare professionals," a spokesman for the DH said.
People who have purchased and used the above products should stop using them and consult healthcare professionals for advice if they feel unwell. They may submit the products to the DH's Drug Office at Room 1856, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, during office hours for disposal.
Ends/Friday, September 18, 2015
Issued at HKT 20:21
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