Skip to content

Press Release

Batch recall of proprietary Chinese medicine exceeding bacterial limit

17 April 2014

The Department of Health (DH) today (April 17) instructed the registration holder of the proprietary Chinese medicine (pCm) "Bouwaidan" Bouwaidan (both its product name and trademark text) (registration number: HKP-04754), H.K. Ma Sai Leung Tong Medicine Manufacturing Limited (Ma Sai Leung Tong), to recall from consumers one of its batches (batch number: H0112), as its total bacterial count was found to have exceeded the pharmacopoeia's limit during market sampling by the health authority of Macau.

"Locally, investigation into the pCm was immediately conducted upon notification from Macau," a spokesman for the DH remarked.

Upon the DH's inspection of the pCm manufacturer's local premises today, preliminary investigation revealed that the pCm had been manufactured by Ma Sai Leung Tong. According to the product's label, it is indicated for relieving gastric discomfort. The manufacturer has set up a hotline (2356 8980) for public enquiries.

"We will closely monitor the recall. So far, no adverse reports related to the use of the pCm have been received by the DH. Samples of other batches of the said product have also been collected for testing. Investigation is ongoing," the spokesman said.

OnDecember 13, 2013, the DH instructed the recall of another batch (batch number: B0813) of the pCm as its bacterial content exceeded the limit of the registration criteria set out by the Chinese Medicines Board of the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong. In addition, Ma Sai Leung Tong voluntarily recalled other batches, including the currently affected batch (batch number: H0112) which was manufactured and sold before December 13, 2013.

Members of the public who have purchased the pCm should stop using it immediately. Those who have used the pCm and feel unwell should seek advice from their health-care professionals. People who have the pCm should submit it to the DH's Chinese Medicine Division at 16/F, AIA Kowloon Tower, Landmark East, 100 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, during office hours for disposal.

One of the batches of "Bouwaidan" Bouwaidan (both its product name and trademark text) is under recall instructed by the Department of Health today (April 17) as its total bacterial count exceeded the pharmacopoeia's limit.

17 Apr 2014