The Department of Health (DH) is today (March 25) investigating a suspected case of illegal possession of an unregistered proprietary Chinese medicine (pCm) (no English name, see photo) by a shop called Akihabara located in Fort Street, North Point, Hong Kong.
The preliminary investigation by the DH revealed that the above pCm was not registered with the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong (CMCHK), and imported from Taiwan by Akihabara and sold in the above shop.
"According to the product label, the above pCm may be used in enhancing immunity, and reliving cough and shortness of breath. Use of unregistered pCms may pose threats to public health as their safety, quality and efficacy are not proven. While DH investigation is ongoing, no related adverse reports have been received so far," a spokesman for the DH said.
Akihabara agreed to voluntarily recall all batches of the above pCm from consumers and set up a hotline (2568 9991) for related enquiries. The DH will closely monitor the recall.
According to section 119 of the Chinese Medicine Ordinance (Cap 549), no person shall sell, import or possess any pCm unless it is registered. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty for the offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment. Upon completion of the investigation, the DH will work with the Department of Justice on prosecution matters.
The DH urged members of the public who have purchased the above pCm to stop using it immediately and submit it to the Chinese Medicine Division of the DH on 16/F, AIA Kowloon Tower, Landmark East, 100 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, during office hours for disposal.
"The public should consult health-care professionals if feeling unwell and should not self-medicate without seeking medical advice," the spokesman advised.
Members of the public may visit the CMCHK's website (www.cmchk.org.hk/pcm/eng/#main_listpcm.htm) for the list of registered pCms.
The preliminary investigation by the DH revealed that the above pCm was not registered with the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong (CMCHK), and imported from Taiwan by Akihabara and sold in the above shop.
"According to the product label, the above pCm may be used in enhancing immunity, and reliving cough and shortness of breath. Use of unregistered pCms may pose threats to public health as their safety, quality and efficacy are not proven. While DH investigation is ongoing, no related adverse reports have been received so far," a spokesman for the DH said.
Akihabara agreed to voluntarily recall all batches of the above pCm from consumers and set up a hotline (2568 9991) for related enquiries. The DH will closely monitor the recall.
According to section 119 of the Chinese Medicine Ordinance (Cap 549), no person shall sell, import or possess any pCm unless it is registered. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty for the offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment. Upon completion of the investigation, the DH will work with the Department of Justice on prosecution matters.
The DH urged members of the public who have purchased the above pCm to stop using it immediately and submit it to the Chinese Medicine Division of the DH on 16/F, AIA Kowloon Tower, Landmark East, 100 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, during office hours for disposal.
"The public should consult health-care professionals if feeling unwell and should not self-medicate without seeking medical advice," the spokesman advised.
Members of the public may visit the CMCHK's website (www.cmchk.org.hk/pcm/eng/#main_listpcm.htm) for the list of registered pCms.
Reprinted from HKSAR Government:
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201503/25/P201503250704.htm