Recall of lead-tainted proprietary Chinese medicines (with photo)
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     The Department of Health (DH) today (April 7) instructed Mega Good Industrial Limited (Mega Good), a registration holder of proprietary Chinese medicines (pCms), to recall from consumers three pCms of the same batch (batch number: 72988), namely [Wing Cheong Tong] Bak Feng Pill (registration number: HKP-06937), [Yee On Tong] Bak Feng Pill (registration number: HKP-06938)and Beijing Bak Feng Pill (registration number: HKP-06939), as a product sample has been found to contain excessive lead.

     The action was called for after a sample of [Yee On Tong] Bak Feng Pill obtained in the DH's market surveillance was found by the Government Laboratory to contain about 4 times the permitted limit of lead.  In addition, preliminary investigation showed that [Wing Cheong Tong] Bak Feng Pill and Beijing Bak Feng Pill shared the same formula with [Yee On Tong] Bak Feng Pill and were manufactured by the same Mainland manufacturer and imported by Mega Good for sale.  Therefore, the DH also instructed Mega Good to recall from consumers the two other pCms of the same batch.

     "The ingredients of the above mentioned pCms do not include any Chinese herbal medicine that is known to be rich in lead.  Mega Good has set up hotline at 2614 3648 for related enquiries. The DH will closely monitor the recall," a DH spokesman said.

     According to their labels, the three pCms are used for relieving menstrual discomfort. The spokesman explained that prolonged exposure to excessive lead could cause anaemia and damage to human organs including joints, brain and kidneys in adults. So far, no adverse reports related to the use of the pCms have been received by the DH. The DH's investigation is ongoing.    

     "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 investigations, 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 possible disciplinary action," the spokesman remarked.     

     Members of the public who have purchased the pCms should stop using them immediately. Those who have used the pCms and feel unwell should seek advice from their health-care professionals. People who have the pCms 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 for disposal.

Ends/Monday, April 7, 2014
Issued at HKT 20:12

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