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DH investigates two lead-tainted proprietary Chinese medicines (with photos)
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     The Department of Health (DH) is today (July 27) investigating two cases of lead-tainted proprietary Chinese medicines (pCms), samples of which collected by the DH's market surveillance were found to contain excessive lead.

     The first pCm, [Ren Xiao Tang] Superior Wu Kai Pak Fung Pills (registration No. HKP-10919, batch No. 20), was found by the Government Laboratory to contain about eight times the permitted level of lead content under the registration criteria of pCms.

     Preliminary investigations revealed that the above pCm had been manufactured in the Mainland and imported for local sale by its registration holder, Kin Lik Trading Company Limited, which has voluntarily recalled the affected batch from consumers.

     According to its package insert, the pCm is used for dual deficiency of qi and blood as well as menstrual irregularities. Kin Lik has set up a hotline (2577 3218) for related enquiries.

     The other pCm, [H.C.L.] Chien Chin Yang Yen Pills (registration No. HKP-00301, batch No. 051086), was found to contain about 1.6 times the permitted level of lead content.

     Initial investigations revealed that it had been manufactured by a licensed pCm manufacturer, Hang Cheong Lung Pharmaceutical Limited, and sold locally. The manufacturer has voluntarily recalled the affected batch from consumers.

     According to its label, the pCm is used to tonify qi and replenish blood, and regulate menstruation. Hang Cheong Lung has set up a hotline (2542 3534) for related enquiries.

     "The ingredients of both pCms do not include any Chinese herbal medicines known to be rich in lead. Prolonged exposure to excessive lead can cause anaemia and damage to human organs including joints, the brain and kidneys. We will closely monitor the recalls. So far, no adverse reports related to the use of both pCms have been received. Investigations are ongoing," a spokesman for the DH said.

     According to section 52 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap 132), selling any drug not of the nature, substance or quality demanded by the purchaser is liable to a maximum penalty of a fine of $10,000 and three months' imprisonment. Upon completion of the investigation, the DH will work with the Department of Justice on prosecution matters and will also refer this case to the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong to consider taking possible disciplinary action.

     Members of the public who have purchased the pCms should stop taking them immediately. Those who have taken them and are feeling unwell should seek advice from healthcare professionals. People who have the pCms can submit them to the DH's Chinese Medicine Division on 16/F, AIA Kowloon Tower, Landmark East, 100 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, during office hours for disposal.
 
Ends/Thursday, July 27, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:39
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Photo

A sample of [Ren Xiao Tang] Superior Wu Kai Pak Fung Pills was found to contain excessive lead and the affected batch is under recall.
A sample of [H.C.L.] Chien Chin Yang Yen Pills was found to contain excessive lead and the affected batch is under recall.