Press Release

More illegally packaged products to be recalled

14 Apr 2010

The Department of Health (DH) has instructed that seven more pharmaceutical products imported by licensed drug wholesaler Julius Chen & Co (HK) Ltd to be recalled at consumer level because the company was found to have packaged them without manufacturing licence.

These products are Nutribes Vitamin E Capsules 400IU (HK-35319), Vita Prima B1 + B6 + B12 Tablets (HK-53232), Nutribes Beta Carotene Capsules 25000IU (HK-40740), Archon Glucosamine Tablets 750mg (HK-51162), Nutribes Century Tablets (HK-51738), Arnet Oyster Shell Calcium Tablets (HK-48618), Doctor's Elect Calcium Carbonate-1500 Tablets (HK-56860).

They are all non-prescription products including vitamins and minerals.

The recall order followed DH's further investigation into an earlier public complaint alleging that the company was carrying out wholesale business at unlicensed premises.

Pharmaceutical products imported by drug wholesalers are required to be packaged by local licensed Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) manufacturers before distribution to users and retail outlets.

Julius Chen & Co (HK) Ltd has set up a hotline (2487 1301) to answer enquiries. Its wholesale activities have been suspended to facilitate DH's investigation.

DH will monitor the progress of the recall. Investigation continues.

The spokesman reminded healthcare professions and retailers not to administer or supply the concerned products to their clients.

People who have purchased the products should stop using them and seek medical advice if they feel unwell.