Traditional Chinese Simplified Chinese Email this article news.gov.hk
Recall of unregistered proprietary Chinese medicine supplied by Kin Lik Trading Company Limited (with photo)
************************************************************

     The Department of Health (DH) today (October 11) ordered a licensed wholesaler of proprietary Chinese medicine (pCm), Kin Lik Trading Company Limited (Kin Lik), to recall 24 brands of unregistered pCms (see attachment).

     The action is called for after routine market surveillance and investigation by the DH.

     Initial investigation by the DH found that the name of the manufacturer printed on the product box of a pCm, [Wah Cheong Tong] Strong Tin Hee Pills, obtained during market surveillance, was different from the registration information maintained by the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong (CMCHK). This pCm was manufactured on the Mainland and repackaged by Kin Lik for sale in Hong Kong. It was found that Kin Lik also wholesaled 23 other brands of unregistered pCms manufactured on the Mainland.

     A DH spokesman explained that the use of unregistered pCms could pose public health threats as their safety, efficacy and quality have not been proven.

     The investigation is underway. No adverse reports related to the products have been received so far.

     Members of the public can call the hotline of Kin Lik on 2498 5063 for 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. Contravention is liable to a maximum penalty of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment. Upon completion of the investigation, the DH will work with the Department of Justice in any prosecution matters.

     The case will also be referred to the CMCHK for possible disciplinary action.

     The spokesman urged members of the public to stop using the above products immediately. Those who have purchased should submit the products to the Chinese Medicine Division of the DH at 16/F, Two Landmark East, 100 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon during office hours.

     Those who have used the products and felt unwell should seek advice from their healthcare professionals as soon as possible.

     For the list of registered pCms in Hong Kong, members of the public may visit the CMCHK's website (www.cmchk.org.hk/pcm/eng/idx_listpcmsearch.htm).

Ends/Thursday, October 11, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:24

NNNN

Photo
Print this page