27 Oct 2010
The Department of Health (DH) has endorsed a recall of a registered proprietary Chinese medicine (pCm) Wintex Tong Hang Wan Pills(永達堂行軍丸) from the market by its manufacturer, Hong Kong Medicine Manufactory(香港製藥廠), as a precautionary measure.
The recall was made upon a finding of the Macao Health Bureau (MHB) that excessive amounts of yeast and mould were detected in the product during a market surveillance conducted in October this year in Macao. The MHB instructed the importer to initiate a recall yesterday and notified DH about the findings.
The affected batch of product (Batch number PN0702W1) was manufactured by Hong Kong Medicine Manufactory, a licensed pCm manufacturer, in 2007. A total of 1,530 boxes were manufactured. About 670 boxes were exported to Macao and the remaining 860 boxes were supplied to pharmacies in Hong Kong for local consumption. The product is indicated for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.
The relevant batch was tested for yeast and mould by the manufacturer in 2007 and the levels were within acceptable limits. DH has initiated investigation of the premises and samples of pCm were collected for further testing.
In view of the laboratory findings, the manufacturer undertook to recall the affected batch as a precautionary measure. The manufacturer has set up a hotline (2421 6382) to answer enquiries. DH's investigation continues and will closely monitor the recall.
No report has been received about patients feeling unwell after consuming the product. Members of the public who have purchased any of the affected batch are advised not to consume it and to consult health care professionals if in doubt.
They can also submit the product to the Chinese Medicine Division of DH at 2/F, Public Health Laboratory Centre, 382 Nam Cheong Street, Kowloon during office hours.