27 May 2011
The Department of Health (DH) today (May 27) endorsed Cerebos (Hong Kong) Ltd, a holder of a Hong Kong Pharmacy and Poisons Board certificate of drug/product registration, to conduct a recall from consumers for Brand's Calcium Grow Chewable Tablets (Hong Kong registration number HK-58001).
The recall is considered necessary as the product's manufacturer in Taiwan found that two excipients used as flavouring agents, strawberry juice powder and yogurt powder, have been reported by their supplier as contaminated by Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP).
"DEHP is used primarily as a plasticizer in many flexible polyvinyl chloride products which are used in a variety of consumer products including medical products, toys, furniture, etc. However, food is the main exposure route in general," a DH spokesman explained.
"Leading international authorities regard DEHP as a possible human carcinogen and hence exposure should be minimised," the spokesman added.
"If proven, contravention of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132) - selling a drug not of the nature, substance or quality demanded by the purchaser - might have occurred here. The maximum penalties involved are $10,000 and three months' imprisonment," the DH spokesman said.
Cerebos' records show that a total 4 608 boxes of Brand's Calcium Grow Chewable Tablets have been imported from Taiwan since its registration in 2009. Cerebos has sold 2 351 boxes directly to its customers. There is no retail outlet for the product.
While DH's investigation continues, product samples have been sent for analysis by the Government Laboratory.
It is understood that Cerebos has set up a hotline, 2506 9121, to answer related enquiries.
"Customers who have the product in hand must not take it anymore. They should get in touch with Cerebos for subsequent handling," the DH spokesman cautioned.