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DH investigates suspected illegal possession of unregistered proprietary Chinese medicine (with photo)
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     The Department of Health (DH) is today (June 5) investigating a licensed wholesaler of Chinese herbal medicines and proprietary Chinese medicines (pCm), Tung Yan Medicine (Holdings) Limited (Tung Yan Medicine), at Yuen Shun Circuit, Sha Tin, for suspected illegal possession of an unregistered pCm called 和信堂山東東阿阿膠 (no English name, see photo).
 
     Acting upon intelligence, the DH conducted a field investigation and seized the above unregistered pCm from Tung Yan Medicine. According to the content of the package insert, the product claimed that it can tonify qi and blood, replenish yin, moisten dryness, resolve phlegm, clear the lungs, inhibit tumours and be anti-shock. Investigations are ongoing.
 
     "The safety, quality and efficacy of an unregistered pCm are not proven. So far, no related adverse reports have been received," a spokesman for the DH said.

     The DH endorsed Tung Yan Medicine to voluntarily recall the above unregistered pCm from the market, and Tung Yan Medicine has set up a hotline (3462 2890) 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 actions.
 
     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 Chinese Medicine Regulatory Office of the DH 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/Monday, June 5, 2023
Issued at HKT 19:25
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Today's Press Releases  

Photo

The Department of Health is today (June 5) investigating a licensed wholesaler of Chinese herbal medicines and proprietary Chinese medicines (pCm), Tung Yan Medicine (Holdings) Limited, at Yuen Shun Circuit, Sha Tin, for suspected illegal possession of an unregistered pCm.