The Department of Health (DH) today (April 4) received information that two batches of Seven Seas High Strength Cod Liver Oil Capsules with lot number 351266 and 350978 had exceeded the limit of dioxins set by the European Union.
A DH spokesman said: " A total of 65 000 bottles of the affected batches were imported into Hong Kong. There is no immediate health risk associated with consumption of these products. The health risks generally come from prolonged exposure to excessive level of dioxins. Dioxins are known to cause skin diseases, birth defects, miscarriages and cancer.
"DH is closely monitoring the situation and has contacted the importer, Merck Pharmaceutical (HK) Limited, to get more information on the case.
"We understand that the importer will announce details of the recall soon. A telephone hotline will be set up by the importer later," he added.
"The product is manufactured by Seven Seas Limited in the United Kingdom and is registered in Hong Kong as a pharmaceutical product with registration number HK-46278. "DH has also set up a hotline 2319 2839 for enquiries during office hours," the spokesman said.
Reprinted from HKSAR Government web page:
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200604/04/P200604040266.htm