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The Department of Health (DH) today (December 13) instructed the registration holder of the proprietary Chinese medicine (pCm) "Bouwaidan" Bouwaidan (both its product name and trademark text) (registration number: HKP-04754), H.K. Ma Sai Leung Tong Medicine Manufacturing Limited (Ma Sai Leung Tong), to recall from consumers one of its batches (batch number: B0813), as its bacterial content exceeded the limit of the registration criteria set out by the Chinese Medicines Board of the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong (CMCHK).
The recall follows the DH's market surveillance which revealed that the above batch was found to have a total bacterial count of 67 000 per gram, which was 6.7 times the limit of the registration criteria.
"Preliminary investigation showed that the pCm was manufactured by Ma Sai Leung Tong. According to the product's label, it is indicated for relieving gastric discomfort. The manufacturer has set up a hotline (2383 0536) for public enquiries. The DH's investigation is ongoing and the department will closely monitor the recall. So far, no adverse reports related to the use of the pCm have been received by the DH," a spokesman for the DH explained.
"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 $10,000 and three months' imprisonment. Upon completion of investigation, the DH will work with the Department of Justice for prosecution matters and will also refer this case to the CMCHK for possible disciplinary action," the spokesman said.
The spokesman urged members of the public to stop using the above pCm immediately. Those who have used the pCm and felt unwell should seek advice from their health-care professionals. People who have the above pCm should submit it to the DH's Chinese Medicine Division at 16/F, AIA Kowloon Tower, Landmark East, 100 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, during office hours for disposal.
Ends/Friday, December 13, 2013
Issued at HKT 20:12
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