The Department of Health (DH) is today (January 3) investigating a shop at Plover Cove Garden Arcade in Tai Po for suspected illegal possession of an unregistered proprietary Chinese medicine (pCm) called Namman Muay Cream.

     Acting upon intelligence, the DH conducted a field investigation and seized the above unregistered pCm. Preliminary investigations revealed that the product concerned had been imported from Thailand for local sale. Its label claimed that the product is to be used for relieving muscle pain. According to the record of the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong (CMCHK), the English name of the above product is the same as that of another locally registered pCm (registration number: HKC-16527). However, the product concerned is not a registered pCm in Hong Kong.

     "Unregistered pCms may pose threats to public health as their safety, quality and efficacy are not proven. Our investigation is ongoing. 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. In addition, the DH will also consider referring the case to the relevant law enforcement agency to follow up on other suspected offences.

     Members of the public who have purchased the above unregistered pCm should stop using it immediately. Those who have used 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 pCms is published on the website of the CMCHK (www.cmchk.org.hk/pcm/eng/#main_listpcm.htm) for public reference," the spokesman added.

Ends/Thursday, January 3, 2019
Issued at HKT 19:15

NNNN