DH investigates suspected illegal possession of unregistered proprietary Chinese medicine (with photo)
***************************************************************
The Department of Health (DH) is today (May 21) investigating a licensed wholesaler of proprietary Chinese medicines (pCm), CR Care Company Limited, at Wo Shui Street, Fo Tan, for suspected illegal possession of an unregistered pCm called Colla Corii Asini Black Sesame Essence.
Acting upon intelligence, the DH conducted a field investigation and seized the above unregistered pCm from the warehouse of CR Care. According to the content of the package insert, the product claimed that it can tonify blood, stop bleeding and improve immunity.
"Safety, quality and efficacy of unregistered pCms are not proven. Our investigation is ongoing. So far, no related adverse reports have been received," a spokesman for the DH said.
The DH endorsed CR Care to voluntarily recall the above unregistered pCm from the market and set up a hotline (2839 1100) for related enquiries. The DH will closely monitor the recall.
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. Upon completion of the investigation, the DH will seek advice from the Department of Justice on prosecution matters and will also refer the case to the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong (CMCHK) to consider taking 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 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/Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Issued at HKT 19:30
NNNN