Press Release

Recall of two Vitamin B syrups on quality grounds

26 July 2010

Drug manufacturer Neochem Pharm Labs had initiated a recall from the pharmacies and medical practitioners all batches of two registered products, B-Com Forte Syrup (Reg. No. HK-05440) and B-Com Syrup (Reg. No. HK-17496), on quality grounds.

Neochem has recalled four products in March and April, and its production has been suspended since mid-March. The Department of Health (DH) conducted an ongoing investigation into, and analysis of, Neochem's products based on risk assessment. All high risk products of Neochem were reviewed and analysed by April 2010. Today (July 26), the last batch of analytical results of those low risk products was received and confirmed that one of the labeled ingredients, Vitamin B1, was not detected in the sample of B-Com Forte Syrup. Both B-Com Forte Syrup and B-Com Syrup shared the same formula.

According to the drug manufacturer, the products were only produced in bulk packs of 3.6L. About 1,900 bottles of 3.6L vitamin syrups had been supplied to medical practitioners and some pharmacies in the past two years.

The spokesman explained that although the laboratory finding so far pointed to quality defects, nevertheless, Neochem recall the products as a precaution.

The drug manufacturer has set up a hotline, 2562 7899, for public enquiries. DH's investigation continues and will monitor the recall.

The spokesman urged healthcare professionals and retailers to stop supplying the product to their clients. "People who have used the product should consult healthcare professionals if in doubt," he said.