The Department of Health (DH) today (September 2) received the testing result from the Government Laboratory, revealing that the sulphur dioxide residue of a batch of Chinese herbal medicine (Chm), Radix Paeoniae Rubra (batch number: 2306001), exceeded its limit during the DH's market surveillance.
This batch of Chm was imported by a licensed Chm wholesaler, Tai Po Chinese Medicine Clinic O/B Brilliant Health Medicine Limited (Brilliant Health), from the Mainland for local sale. Testing result of the sample revealed that each kilogram of Radix Paeoniae Rubra contained 280 milligrams of sulphur dioxide residue, exceeding the limit set by the Chinese Medicines Board of the CMCHK (each kilogram of the above Chm should not contain more than 150 milligram). DH has immediately requested Brilliant Health to recall this batch of Chm from the market.
Based on the level of sulphur dioxide residues detected in the samples, adverse health effects will not be caused under the usual dosage for treatment of diseases. So far, no adverse reports related to the use of the above Chm have been received. Members of the public may visit the following website of the Chinese Medicine Regulatory Office (CMRO) of the DH for more information on the adverse health effects of sulphur dioxide and handling of herbal medicines before decoction: https://www.cmro.gov.hk/files/b5/useful_information/public_health/
pamphlet/Herbal_Medicines_and_Sulphur_Dioxide_pp.pdf （Chinese only）
According to the Chinese Medicine Ordinance (Cap. 549), Radix Paeoniae Rubra is the Root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. or Paeonia veitchii Lynch. It is a Schedule 2 Chm of the Ordinance used to clear heat, cool the blood, dissipate stasis and relieve pain.
Brilliant Health is recalling the above batch of Chm and has set up a hotline (2665 6738) for related enquiries. The DH will closely monitor the recall.
The DH urged members of the public who have purchased the above Chm to stop using them immediately and may submit them to the CMRO of the DH on 16/F, AIA Kowloon Tower, Landmark East, 100 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, during office hours for disposal. People who have taken the above Chm and feel unwell should seek advice from healthcare professionals.
Chinese Medicine Regulatory Office
2 September 2024
