The Department of Health today instructed licensed Chinese herbal medicine wholesaler Wong Chak Kee Limited to recall radix strobilanthis forrestii from retailers as it was found to contain atropine. 

The recall was made following the department's investigation into a case of poisoning involving a 79-year-old woman who has a history of taking Chinese herbs bought from Wing Woo Hing, a licensed Chinese herbal medicine retailer in Sheung Wan. 

Among the samples taken from Wing Woo Hing for chemical analysis, atropine was found in a sample of radix strobilanthis forrestii. All stocks of the herb were seized for further analysis.

Atropine can cause serious side effects in children and the elderly, and patients with heart diseases, glaucoma or prostate enlargement.

Radix strobilanthis forrestii was imported from Fo Shan by Wong Chak Kee Limited and was supplied to local retailers including Wing Woo Hing.

The Chinese herbal medicine is used to improve circulation, and remove heat and dampness. It does not contain atropine and is not toxic. No report has been received about patients feeling unwell after taking the herb.

As a precaution, the department has instructed Wong Chak Kee Limited to recall radix strobilanthis forrestii from retailers and to inform all its customers of the possible contamination. The company has set up a hotline 2546 8754 for enquiries.

Retailers who have bought radix strobilanthis forrestii from the company should immediately stop selling it and submit it to the department on 2/F, Public Health Laboratory Centre, 382 Nam Cheong Street, Kowloon during office hours.