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Recall of proprietary Chinese medicine tainted with Western drug (with photos)
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     The Department of Health (DH) today (November 17) instructed Ming Wah Co, the registration holder of a proprietary Chinese medicine (pCm) called [Great Wall Brand] Ching Fei Yi Huo Pien (registration number: HKP-00055), to recall from consumers one of its batches (batch number: MH-141) as a sample had been found to contain a trace amount of an undeclared Western drug, paracetamol, during the DH's market surveillance.

     The DH's preliminary investigation showed that the above pCm was manufactured and packed into two specifications of 60 and 96 tablets in the Mainland, and imported by Ming Wah for local sale. As a precautionary measure, Ming Wah has also voluntarily recalled all batches of the above pCm with the two packing specifications from consumers.

     "According to the product's label, the pCm is used for treatment of cough and sore throat. Ming Wah has set up a hotline (2562 6129) for related enquiries. The DH will closely monitor the recall. So far, no adverse reports related to the use of the pCm have been received by the DH. The DH's investigation is ongoing," a DH spokesman said.

     "Paracetamol has long been commonly used for its anti-pyretic and analgesic effects. Inappropriate use of paracetamol may cause liver and kidney damage," the DH spokesman explained.

     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 a fine of $10,000 and three months' imprisonment. Upon completion of the investigation, the DH will work with the Department of Justice on prosecution matters and will also refer this case to the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong to consider taking possible disciplinary action.

     Members of the public who have purchased the pCm should stop using it immediately. Those who have used the pCm and feel unwell should seek advice from health-care professionals. People who have the pCm should submit it to the DH's Chinese Medicine Division on 16/F, AIA Kowloon Tower, Landmark East, 100 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, during office hours for disposal.

Ends/Monday, November 17, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:48

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