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A retail shop in Mong Kok was raided by the Department of Health (DH) today (March 22). The shop was suspected to be selling unregistered pharmaceutical products.
Upon the investigation of a public complaint, the DH found that the shop was selling two unregistered pharmaceutical products, namely "Counterpain Cool Analgesic Gel", labelled as containing menthol, and "Counterpain Analgesic Balm", labelled as containing methyl salicylate, eugenol and menthol. Hong Kong pharmaceutical product registration numbers were not found on any of the pharmaceutical product labels. The preliminary investigation has so far revealed that the suspected unregistered pharmaceutical products were sourced outside Hong Kong.
During the operation, an 18-year-old woman was arrested by the Police for illegal sale of unregistered pharmaceutical products.
Both "Counterpain Cool Analgesic Gel" and "Counterpain Analgesic Balm" are over-the-counter medicines for the relief of muscle pain. A common side effect is skin irritation.
According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138), all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong (the Board) before they can be legally sold in the market. Sale and possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
The DH's investigation is continuing.
A DH spokesperson strongly urged members of the public not to buy or use unregistered pharmaceutical products from the market as such products have not been evaluated by the Board and their safety, quality and efficacy are not guaranteed. All registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format "HK-XXXXX".
Members of the public who have bought the above products should stop using them immediately, and consult health-care professionals if they are in doubt or feel unwell after using the products. They may submit them to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1856, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.?
Ends/Friday, March 22, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:09
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