Press Release

Public reminded to watch out for unsafe cosmetic cream

11 Jun 2007

The hotline set up by the Department of Health (DH) to answer public enquiries on mercury poisoning in relation to "嬌麗回春素(祛斑1號)" and "嬌麗回春素(祛斑2號)" cosmetic cream has received a total of 19 calls up to 5pm today (June 11).

“Among them, six claimed that they had used both or either one of the products which were sold in twin packs,” a DH spokesman said.

“Health advice was given to them and DH is following up those who claimed that they might have used the products,” he added.

The spokesman urged members of the public to stop using the products immediately following confirmation by laboratory results that the mercury content of both products exceeded the maximum permitted concentration of mercury for cosmetics.

The hotline 2125 1133, operating between 9am and 5pm daily, was set up on June 9 following a report of mercury poisoning involving a 39-year-old woman who had used both products.

"Members of the public who have been using the cosmetic cream concerned should stop using it immediately and seek advice from their doctors as soon as possible," the spokesman said.