Press Release

Drug wholesaler instructed to recall illegally packaged product

12 Apr 2010

The Department of Health (DH) instructed a licensed drug wholesaler Julius Chen & Co (HK) Ltd to recall a product called Puricos 300mg Tablet (HK-31027) from consumer level because the company was found to have packaged the product without manufacturing license.

The product was manufactured in South Africa and is used for treatment of gout and hyperuricaemia. It can be sold in pharmacies under the supervision of a pharmacist. Some products in question have been sold to private doctors and pharmacies.

DH conducted investigations upon a public complaint alleging the company for carrying out wholesale business in an unlicensed premises and confirmed the suspicion today (April 12).

It was found that the company illegally stored medicines and was involved in illegal packaging of pharmaceutical products without manufacturing license.

In addition, there was an incidental finding of at least one more illegally packaged product, namely Nutribes Folic Acid Tablet, in which the company imported for re-export to Macao. DH will work closely with the Macao authorities about the finding.

Pharmaceutical products imported by drug wholesalers are required to be packaged by local licensed Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) manufacturers before distributing to users and retail outlets.

Julius Chen & Co (HK) Ltd has set up a hotline (Tel: 2487 1301) to answer enquiries. It has suspended its wholesale activities to facilitate DH's ongoing investigation.

DH will monitor the progress. Investigation continues.

The spokesman said, "Healthcare professions and retailers are reminded to stop administering or supplying the concerned product to their clients."

People who have purchased the products should stop using them and seek medical advice if they feel unwell.