Side effects: Sale of herbal teas containing Western medication is an offence.

The Department of Health has ordered three Chinese herbal tea shops to stop selling teas which were found to contain Western drug ingredients that may cause serious side effects.

Samples taken from herbal tea shops in Tai Kok Tsui, Kowloon City and Tai Wo Hau contained either paracetamol or both paracetamol and chlorpheniramine.

Paracetamol is a pain killer which can cause liver damage when taken in high doses. Chlorpheniramine is commonly used for treating a runny nose and allergies and is associated with side effects including drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, nausea and constipation.