The Department of Health (DH) today (March 31) warned members of the public that several Chinese herbal teas were found to be adulterated with Western drug ingredients which may cause side effects.
Acting upon a complaint from the public, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) collected samples of Chinese herbal teas from Yong Ding Tang Herbal Tea, located at Shop A2, G/F, 36 San Lok Street, Sheung Shui for testing by the Government Laboratory via DH. Results showed that three of the herbal teas (without English names, see photo) contained the Western drug ingredients paracetamol and/or chlorpheniramine.
A joint operation was conducted today by the DH and FEHD against the herbal tea shop, which was instructed to immediately stop selling the relevant herbal teas. The investigation is continuing.
Paracetamol is a pain-killer and can cause liver damage when taken in high doses.
Chlorpheniramine is commonly used for treating runny nose and allergy. Side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, nausea and constipation.
"Members of the public should immediately stop consuming the Chinese herbal teas concerned. They should seek advice from the health care professionals if they feel unwell after consuming the herbal teas," a DH spokesman urged.
Acting upon a complaint from the public, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) collected samples of Chinese herbal teas from Yong Ding Tang Herbal Tea, located at Shop A2, G/F, 36 San Lok Street, Sheung Shui for testing by the Government Laboratory via DH. Results showed that three of the herbal teas (without English names, see photo) contained the Western drug ingredients paracetamol and/or chlorpheniramine.
A joint operation was conducted today by the DH and FEHD against the herbal tea shop, which was instructed to immediately stop selling the relevant herbal teas. The investigation is continuing.
Paracetamol is a pain-killer and can cause liver damage when taken in high doses.
Chlorpheniramine is commonly used for treating runny nose and allergy. Side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, nausea and constipation.
"Members of the public should immediately stop consuming the Chinese herbal teas concerned. They should seek advice from the health care professionals if they feel unwell after consuming the herbal teas," a DH spokesman urged.
Reprinted from HKSAR Government:
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201403/31/P201403310743.htm