Chinese herbal products pose potential health risks

Warning
2006-08
February 9, 2006
For immediate release

OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning consumers not to use 13 Chinese herbal products manufactured by the Hong Kong Chi Chun Tang Herbal Factory due to bacterial contamination that could lead to serious health risks.

The Hong Kong Department of Health has issued a warning about batch number 50069 of these products after finding dangerous levels of bacteria. These products are in powder or pill form, and their labels designate their use in infants and children. According to the label, they are used for a variety of ailments and symptoms including colds, coughs, fever, stomach and bowel problems. More information about this warning can be obtained by consulting their web site:

http://www.consumer.org.hk/website/ws_en/consumer_alerts/
recalls_and_alerts/2006011301.txt

The following list (grouped according to product name) provides the specific names of the products.

Bo Ying Pills group

• 1. Bo Ying Pills
• 2. Chi Chun Tang Chu Pai Bo Ying Dan
• 3. Hung Win Bo Ying Pills
• 4. Bao Zhu Brand Bo Ying Pills

Hou Tsao San group

• 5. Chu Pai Hou Tsao San
• 6. Hou Tsao San
• 7. Xian Cao Tang Chu Pai Hou Tsao San
• 8. Chi Chun Tang Chu Pai Hou Tsao San
• 9. Bao Zhu Brand Hou Tsao San

Chut Lee San group

• 10. Chi Chun Tang Chu Pai Chut Lee San
• 11. Bao Zhu Brand Chut Lee San
• 12. Chu Pai Chut Lee San

Other

• 13. Chi Chun Tang Pearl Bat Po Keng Foong Powder

 

These products are not authorized for sale in Canada, and so far have not been found for sale on the Canadian market. The manufacturer of these products did not distribute them to Canada. However, Canadians who may have purchased these products over the Internet or while travelling abroad are warned not to use them, and to consult with a health care professional if they have concerns about their health due to these products.

Bacterial contamination of products can be hazardous to human health and produce a range of adverse effects with varying severity, depending on the exposure patterns and sensitivities of the individual. Children can be particularly vulnerable to these health effects.

To date, no adverse reactions from the use of these products have been reported in Hong Kong or in Canada. To report a suspected adverse reaction, please contact the Canadian Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Program (CADRMP) of Health Canada by one of the following methods:
Telephone: 866-234-2345
Facsimile: 866-678-6789

CADRMP
Marketed Health Products Directorate
Health Protection Building, Tunney's Pasture, AL 0701C
Email: cadrmp@hc-sc.gc.ca

-30-

---

Media Enquiries:
Paul Duchesnes
Health Canada
(613) 954-4807

Public Enquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709