More tainted medicines recalled

October 17, 2012

The Department of Health today instructed Peking Medicine Manufactory to extend its recall of its proprietary Chinese medicines to another batch also found to contain excessive mercury.
 
The move followed the department's October 10 announcement of the recall of mercury-tainted proprietary Chinese medicines [Tin Bo Tong] Bak Foong Pills, and five other medicines produced from the same batch of ingredients.
 
Samples of other medicines manufactured by the company were also obtained for chemical analysis by the Government Laboratory, which found that [Yan Chai Tong] Reishi Bak Foong Pills contained about three times the permitted limit of mercury.
 
The product is for relieving menstrual discomfort.
 
The department found the manufacturer had used the same batch of ingredients to manufacture eight other proprietary Chinese medicines (batch no.AL0107) with different pack sizes. The department has instructed Peking Medicine Manufactory to recall all nine items.
 
Acute mercury poisoning can cause inflammation of the mouth, while prolonged exposure can damage the neurological system and kidneys. Young children are particularly vulnerable.
 
The public should stop using these products immediately. They can call the manufacturer's hotline (2407 4811) for enquiries.
 
Those who have used the products and feel unwell should seek advice from their doctors.