Press Release

Public warned against unsafe cosmetic cream

15 Apr 2010

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP)of the Department of Health today (April 15) called on members of the public not to use a facial cream called "TE XIAO MEI BAI DELETE FRECKLE KING".

The appeal was made after an investigation by the CHP which found a very high level of mercury in the product.

The case involved a 56-year-old woman who was admitted to the Prince of Wales Hospital on March 16 with symptoms of skin inflammation. She had used the product for three days in early March. The woman had recovered and was discharged on March 27.

Laboratory results showed that the level of mercury in the cream was 11,066 times the acceptable level.

The source of the product is still under investigation. The case has been referred to the Customs and Excise Department for follow-up.

A spokesman for the department urged any members of the public who had been using the cosmetic cream to stop using it immediately and to seek medical advice as soon as possible if they felt unwell.

He said mercury poisoning was caused by mercury overdose causing damage mainly to the nervous system and kidneys. Symptoms may include tremors, irritability, insomnia, memory deterioration, difficulty with concentration, impaired hearing and vision or change in taste. In the most severe cases, renal failure may occur.