The Department of Health (DH) today (April 28) urged members of the public not to buy and use 237 pharmaceutical products manufactured by Pan Pharmaceuticals (also known as Pan Laboratories) in Australia.
The plea followed the suspension of the license of the firm and the cancellation of the registration of all pharmaceutical products manufactured by the firm by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which is the drug regulatory authority of Australia.
During recent inspections by TGA inspectors, the manufacturer was found to have significant deficiencies related to the manufacture and quality control of pharmaceutical products.
The company is a manufacturer of over-the counter pharmaceutical products, mainly multivitamins and minerals products.
A spokesman for DH said about 237 pharmaceutical products manufactured by the company were registered in Hong Kong.
"The importers of these products have been asked to immediately recall their products from the market within 14 days. They are also required to report to DH the amount of the products recalled and the suggested means of their disposal.
The spokesman said that the products involved are mainly over-the-counter supplements.
"So far, we have no record of people feeling unwell after taking any one of these pharmaceutical products," the spokesman said, adding:"People who might have taken these products are advised to consult their doctor if necessary."
"Members of the public who have purchased any of the products are advised to stop using them and dispose of the products.
He reminded retailers to remove the products from their shelves and return them to the importers as soon as possible.
DH has set up a special hotline 2572 2068 which will be manned until 10 pm today and between 9 am and 5 pm tomorrow for public enquiries on the issue.
The list of the 237 pharmaceutical products in question has been placed at DH's website ( http://www.info.gov.hk/dh/new/recall.pdf )
Reprinted from : HKSAR Government web page
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200304/28/0428245.htm