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Further to the total recall of two registered proprietary Chinese medicines (pCms) by the licensed pCm manufacturer Ching Chung Yuk Po Limited on May 9 because of their failed microbial limit, the DH today (May 13) instructed Ching Chung Yuk Po again to recall from consumers all batches of two other registered pCms for the same reason.
The two pCms under recall this time are Feering 2 in 1 (registration number: HKP-02633) and Kasamutom (registration number: HKP-02639). Both were found to have microbial content exceeding the registration criteria set out by the Chinese Medicines Board of the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong.
"After Ching Chung Yuk Po's recall of its two registered pCms on May 9 because of their failed microbial limit, laboratory results today further revealed that samples of two other registered pCms taken during the investigations, namely Feering 2 in 1 and Kasamutom, were found to have total bacterial counts of 26 000 per gram and 53 000 per gram respectively, which ranged from about two to three times the registration criteria," a DH spokesman said.
"Ching Chung Yuk Po was the sole manufacturer of the aforementioned pCms in Hong Kong. The factory has already ceased operation since June 2011 as it was planning to move to another premises, and the above pCms were produced before the factory ceased its operation," the DH spokesman said.
The manufacturer has set up a telephone hotline (2333 3912) to answer public enquiries. So far no adverse events related to use of the above pCms have been received by the DH. Investigation is continuing and the DH will closely monitor the recall.
"According to Section 52 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap 132), selling any drug not of the nature, substance or quality demanded by the purchaser is liable to a maximum penalty of $10,000 and three months' imprisonment. Upon completion of investigation, the DH will work with the Department of Justice for prosecution matters and will also refer this case to the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong for possible disciplinary action," the spokesman said.
The spokesman urged members of the public to stop using the above pCms immediately. Those who have used the pCms and felt unwell should seek advice from their health-care professionals. People who have the above pCms should submit them to the Chinese Medicine Division of the DH at 16/F, AIA Kowloon Tower, Landmark East, 100 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, during office hours for disposal.
Ends/Monday, May 13, 2013
Issued at HKT 20:04
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