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The Department of Health (DH) today (December 4) ordered a licensed manufacturer of proprietary Chinese medicine (pCm), Luen Hing Hong, to recall from shelves a pCm called [Fung Shing Pai] Tian-Ma Wan (registration number: HKP-00317), as it has been found to contain excessive lead.
The action was called for after a sample of [Fung Shing Pai] Tian-Ma Wan (batch number 001188) obtained in the DH's routine market surveillance was found to contain about 1.7 times the permitted limit of lead by the Government Laboratory.
The spokesman explained that the pCm was indicated mainly for relieving arthritic symptoms and headache. Prolonged exposure to excessive lead could cause anaemia and damage to body parts and organs including joints, the brain and kidneys.
So far no adverse event related to the consumption of the said pCm has been received by the DH.
Members of the public can call Luen Hing Hong's hotline at 2873 0594 for enquiries. The DH will closely monitor the recall.
"According to Section 52 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, Cap 132, Laws of Hong Kong, selling any drug not of the nature, substance or quality demanded by the purchaser is liable to a maximum penalty of $10,000 and three months' imprisonment. On completion of investigation, the DH will work with the Department of Justice for prosecution matters. The DH will also refer this case to the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong for taking possible disciplinary action," the spokesman remarked.
The spokesman urged members of the public to stop using the above pCm immediately. Those who have used the pCm and feel unwell should seek advice from their health-care professionals. People who have the products should submit them 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.
Ends/Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:46
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