CHP urges public not to use whitening cream products suspected to contain excessive mercury content (with photo)
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 2) appealed to members of the public not to use two whitening cream products as they may contain excessive mercury, which is harmful to health.
 
      The appeal followed the CHP's receipt of notification of two cases of suspected mercury poisoning from the Hospital Authority (HA) involving two female patients aged 39 and 43.
 
      The two patients were found to have proteinuria (presence of excess proteins in urine) after admission to hospital and reported using two different products under the brand name "Goree", namely "Goree Day and Night Beauty Cream Oil Free" (see photo) and "Goree Beauty Cream with Lycopene, Avocado & Aloevera" for several months. Their urine samples both revealed a mercury level higher than the reference level, which were clinically suspected to be related to the use of the above products.
 
     Testing by the HA revealed that there is excessive mercury in the product "Goree Day and Night Beauty Cream Oil Free" while testing of the product "Goree Beauty Cream with Lycopene, Avocado & Aloevera" is still on going. The CHP's investigation is continuing. These two cases have also been referred to the relevant law enforcement agency for follow-up.
 
      "Chronic exposure to mercury can cause damage to the nervous system and kidneys. Symptoms may include tremors, irritability, insomnia, memory deterioration, concentration difficulty, impaired hearing and vision, and change in the taste function. In severe cases, renal failure may occur," a spokesman for the CHP said.
 
      "People who are using these products should stop immediately and consult healthcare professionals as soon as possible if they feel unwell or are in doubt," the spokesman added.

Ends/Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Issued at HKT 16:05

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