DH urges public not to buy or use two facial masks with controlled substance (with photos)
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     The Department of Health (DH) today (November 23) appealed to the public not to buy or use two facial masks, namely Great Beauties Activated Peptide Recovery Anti-Ageing Face Mask and Great Beauties Advanced Activated Peptide Anti-Ageing Sculpting Face Mask, as they were found to contain an undeclared and controlled substance.

     During the DH's market surveillance, samples of the above products were collected from the market for analysis. Test results from the Government Laboratory revealed that both samples contained a Part 1 poison, fluocinolone.

     The DH's investigation is continuing.

     Fluocinolone is a steroid substance and products containing fluocinolone should only be sold at pharmacies under the supervision of registered pharmacists upon a doctor's prescription. Inappropriate or excessive application of steroids could cause skin problems and body-wide side effects like moon face, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, muscle atrophy, adrenal insufficiency and even osteoporosis.

     According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138), illegal sale or possession of a Part 1 poison are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.

     People who have purchased the above products should stop using them and consult healthcare professionals if they are in doubt or feeling unwell. They can submit the products to the DH's Drug Office in Room 1856, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.

Ends/Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:55

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