Press Release

Recall of proprietary Chinese medicine found to contain excessive lead

19 Apr 2011

The Department of Health (DH) today (April 19) urged members of the public not to buy or use a proprietary Chinese medicine named Prolonged Man Power Essence (Registration no.: HKP-09787) as its lead level was found to exceed the permitted limit.

The product was manufactured by a local licensed manufacturer of Chinese medicines, Lai Sing Medicine Factory Limited, for use by males with sexual dysfunction.

The appeal is made in view of detection of an excessive amount of lead in the product (batch no.: 1020010401) by DH's market surveillance. The amount of lead exceeds the permitted limit by 25%

A DH spokesman explained that in adults, prolonged exposure to excessive lead could cause anaemia and damage to human organs including joints, the brain and kidneys. Young children are particularly vulnerable.

DH inspected the manufacturer immediately and instructed the company to recall the affected batch (1020010401) and other related batches (1019010401, 10190401and 1020010402) of the product, packaged as 20 capsules and 90 capsules, from the market. Investigation continues.

Members of the public can call the manufacturer's hotline at 3756 8324 for enquiries. DH will monitor the recall by the manufacturer.

The spokesman urged those members of the public who have purchased the product to stop using it immediately and surrender the product to DH at 16/F, Two Landmark East, Kwun Tong, Kowloon.

For those who have used the product and feel unwell, they should seek advice from their healthcare providers as soon as possible. So far, DH has not received any report of persons feeling unwell after taking the product.