****************************************
The Department of Health (DH) today (June 27) instructed a licensed drug wholesaler, Hengan Pharmacare Co Ltd (Hengan), to conduct a total recall of Bandi Enema (registration no.: HK-48262) from the market because of quality concerns.
Through DH surveillance programme, the DH was informed today by the Government Laboratory that a sample of Bandi Enema was found to contain higher than registered levels of glycerin (0.14g/ml instead of 0.1g/ml) and sodium chloride (0.14g/ml instead of 0.05g/ml). Although there is no safety issue, the quality concern of the product warrants a total recall.
The DH investigation continues.
Bandi Enema, manufactured in Taiwan by Tien Chien Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, is an over-the-counter medicine containing glycerin and sodium chloride for the relief of constipation. Bandi Enema was imported into Hong Kong then supplied to retail outlets and exported to Macau.
So far, the DH has not received any adverse reports in connection with the drug.
Hengan has set up a hotline 2604 2317 to answer related enquiries.
"Here, contravention of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap 132), selling a drug not of the nature, substance or quality demanded by the purchaser, might have occurred. The maximum penalty involved is $10,000 and three months' imprisonment," a DH spokesman remarked.
"Members of the public who have the product in hand should cease using it and seek advice from healthcare professionals if they feel unwell or are in doubt," the spokesman said.
Ends/Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:38
NNNN