DH investigates suspected illegal sale and possession of unregistered proprietary Chinese medicine (with photo)
***************************************************************
The Department of Health (DH) is today (December 18) investigating a licensed wholesaler of proprietary Chinese medicine (pCm), Way On Tienchi Company Limited (Way On), at Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong, for suspected illegal sale and possession of an unregistered pCm called "Wayon Tienchi Tablet (Steamed)".
Acting upon intelligence, the DH conducted a field investigation and seized the above unregistered pCm. Preliminary investigations revealed that the above product had been imported from the Mainland for local sale. The product label claimed that the product was suitable for people requiring to replenish qi and blood. According to the record of the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong (CMCHK), Way On held three registered pCms namely, "Wayon Tienchi Tablet (Natural) (Concentrated)" (registration number: HKC-07361) , "Wayon Tienchi Tablet (Steamed)" (registration number: HKP-07347) and "Wayon Tienchi Tablet (Natural)" (registration number: HKP-07355). The suspected unregistered pCm is not one of the aforementioned three registered pCms.
"Unregistered pCms may pose threats to public health as their safety, quality and efficacy are not proven. Way On is voluntarily recalling the above unregistered pCm from the market and has set up a hotline (2541 1428) for related enquiries. Our investigations are ongoing and we will closely monitor the recall. So far, no related adverse reports have been received," a spokesman for the DH said.
According to section 119 of the Chinese Medicine Ordinance (Cap 549), no person shall sell, import or possess any pCm unless it is registered. The maximum penalty is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment. The DH will seek advice from the Department of Justice on prosecution matters upon completion of the investigation, and will refer the case to the CMCHK for consideration of possible disciplinary action.
Members of the public who have purchased the above unregistered pCm should stop taking it immediately. Those who have consumed it and are feeling unwell should seek advice from healthcare professionals. People who have the product can submit it to the DH's Chinese Medicine Division on 16/F, AIA Kowloon Tower, Landmark East, 100 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, during office hours for disposal.
"The public should not buy or use products of doubtful composition or from unknown sources. All registered pCms should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the product label in the format of 'HKC-XXXXX' or 'HKP-XXXXX'. The list of registered pCm is published on the website of the CMCHK (http://www.cmchk.org.hk/pcm/eng/#main_listpcm.htm) for public reference," the spokesman added.
Ends/Tuesday, December 18, 2018
Issued at HKT 20:20
NNNN