October 10, 2012

The Department of Health today ordered Peking Medicine Manufactory to recall a batch (batch no.: AL0225) of [Tin Bo Tong] Bak Foong Pills (registration no.: HKP-03671) for containing excessive mercury.
 
The Government Laboratory found the product sample to contain about 1.7 times the permitted limit of mercury.The product is for relieving menstrual discomfort.
 
The manufacturer had also used the same batch of ingredients to produce five other medicines (batch no.: AL0225) with different pack sizes and these medicines must be recalled.
 
Acute mercury poisoning can cause inflammation of the mouth, while prolonged exposure can damage the neurological system and kidneys.
 
The department will also refer the case to the Chinese Medicine Council for possible disciplinary action.
 
The manufacturer has set up a hotline, 2407 4811, for enquiries.