Public urged not to buy or consume liquids for e-cigarettes with undeclared nicotine content (with photo)
******************************************************************************************
Acting upon a public complaint, the DH purchased samples of two liquid products for e-cigarettes, namely "火器小辣条2.0" and "ammo雾化烟弹" at a retail store in Sham Shui Po for analysis. Test results from the Government Laboratory revealed that both samples contained nicotine, which is a Part 1 poison controlled under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138).
An operation was conducted against the above retail store today. During the operation, two men aged 61 years and 32 years were arrested by the Police for suspected illegal sale and possession of Part 1 poisons and unregistered pharmaceutical products.
The DH's investigation is continuing.
According to the Ordinance, nicotine-containing e-cigarette products are classified as pharmaceutical products requiring registration with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be sold in Hong Kong. In addition, Part 1 poisons can only be sold at pharmacies under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. Illegal sale and possession of Part 1 poisons and unregistered pharmaceutical products are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
Members of the public who have purchased the above products should stop using them immediately and consult healthcare professionals for advice if they are in doubt or feeling unwell after use. They may submit the products to the DH's Drug Office in Room 1801, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.
Smokers are advised to quit smoking for their own health and that of others. They are encouraged to make use of smoking cessation services through the DH's Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline (1833 183). Information on smoking cessation can also be obtained from the DH's Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office website (www.taco.gov.hk).
Ends/Friday, March 13, 2020
Issued at HKT 19:45
Issued at HKT 19:45
NNNN
Photo
