The Department of Health (DH) yesterday (March 3) received the testing result from the Government Laboratory, revealing that the organophosphate pesticide residues of a batch of Chinese herbal medicine (Chm), Fructus Arctii (牛蒡子) (batch number: SD20241217), exceeded their limits during the DH's market surveillance.
The batch of Chm was imported by a licensed Chm wholesaler Kwong Shun Hong, from the Mainland for local sale. Testing result of the sample revealed that each kilogram of Fructus Arctii (牛蒡子) (batch number: SD20241217) contained 0.04 milligrams of Isofenphos-methyl and 0.41mg of Phorate, exceeding the limits set by the Chinese Medicines Board of the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong (each kilogram of the Chm should not contain more than 0.02 milligrams Isofenphos-methyl or Phorate). DH has immediately requested Kwong Shun Hong to recall the alleged batch of Chm from the market.
“Based on the level of pesticide residues detected in the sample, the risk of adverse health effects under consumption for treatment of diseases is relatively low. However, long-term high-level intake of organophosphate may possibly affect the nervous system. So far, no adverse reports related to the use of the above Chm have been received. Investigations are ongoing,” a spokesman for the DH said.
The spokesman added that Chm should be rinsed under running water before decocting to remove the dirt on the surface and to ensure the cleanliness of the Chm. Chm should also be soaked in water before decoction.
According to the Chinese Medicine Ordinance (Cap. 549), Fructus Arctii is a Schedule 2 Chm. Fructus Arctii, the ripe fruit of Arctium lappa L., is used to disperse wind-heat, diffuse the lung, promote eruption, remove toxin and soothe the throat.
Kwong Shun Hong has set up a hotline (2547 0290) 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 Chinese Medicine Regulatory Office 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
4 March 2025
