Press Release

Chinese herbal tea found adulterated with western drug ingredients

8 May 2009

A spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) today (May 8) said a Chinese herbal tea sold by a herbal tea shop in Tuen Mun was found adulterated with western drug ingredients that may cause side effects.

The spokesman said that laboratory results on the Chinese herbal tea concerned showed the presence of western drug ingredients !V amantadine, chlorpheniramine and paracetamol.

Investigation by DH revealed that a Chinese herbal tea shop at Lung Mun Road, Tuen Mun sold a kind of Chinese herbal tea adulterated with the western medicines.

The spokesman said that amantadine is an antiviral medicine. Product containing amantadine should be registered before sales and can only be sold on a doctor's prescription and dispensed under the supervision of a pharmacist.

Chlorpheniramine is commonly used for treating runny nose and allergy.

Paracetamol is a pain killer but when taken in high doses can cause liver damage.

Members of the public are advised to immediately stop consuming the Chinese herbal tea from the Chinese herbal tea shop and consult their doctor if they feel unwell.

They are advised to dispose of the product, the spokesman said.