Recall of mercury-tainted proprietary Chinese medicine (with photo)
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     The Department of Health (DH) today (January 6) instructed the registration holder of the proprietary Chinese medicine (pCm) [Xing He Tang] Extra Good Zhenlong Wan (registration number: HKP-06151), The Land Pharmaceutical Company Limited (the company), to recall from consumers one batch (batch number: KCJ001) of the pCm, as it has been found to contain excessive mercury.

     The action was called for after a sample of the above pCm obtained through the DH's routine market surveillance was found by the Government Laboratory today to contain about 1.3 times the permitted limit of mercury.

     Initial investigation by the DH revealed that the company had imported the above batch of pCm from the Mainland to the local market for sale.

     According to its label, the pCm is indicated for enhancing men's physical performance. The ingredients do not include any Chinese herbal medicine that is known to be rich in mercury. Preliminary investigation revealed that contamination of the pCm at the company was unlikely. The DH's investigation is ongoing.

     "Acute mercury poisoning can cause inflammation of the mouth while prolonged exposure to mercury can damage the neurological system and kidneys," a DH spokesman said.

     The DH has not received any report of related adverse events so far. The company has set up a hotline (2571 3173) to answer public enquiries. The DH will closely monitor the recall.

     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 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 pCm should stop using it immediately. Those who have used the pCm and feel unwell should seek advice from health care professionals. People who have the above pCm should submit it to the Chinese Medicine Division of DH at 16/F, AIA Kowloon Tower, Landmark East, 100 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, during office hours for disposal.

Ends/Monday, January 6, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:20

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