Batch T292 of Two Chinese Medicines Recalled for Containing Arsenic Which Exceeded Permissible Limits

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is alerting members of the public not to consume batch T292 of two Chinese Proprietary Medicines (CPM), Zhenzhu Shedan Chuanbeimo (东阳商标珍珠蛇胆川贝末) and Huatan Zhike Chongcao Zhenzhu Chuanbeimo (鸣鹤楼商标化痰止咳虫草珍珠川贝末), which were tested to contain levels of arsenic that exceeded the permissible limits allowed. The two products bear the batch number T292, and were manufactured by Kang Sheng Chinese Medicine Manufacturer Pte Ltd (康盛中药制药业) and marketed locally by Tientsin Da-Chong Trading (天津大众贸易). Please refer to Annex A of the pdf for pictures of the products and the location of the batch numbers on these products.

2     The sale of the affected batch T292 has been stopped and retailers have been instructed to remove the affected stocks from their shelves. Tientsin Da Chong Trading, the local distributor of the products, is currently conducting a consumer recall of the affected batch and working with HSA to investigate this matter. The higher than permissible levels of arsenic in these products were detected during HSA’s routine product quality surveillance of locally marketed health products. While no adverse reaction reports associated with the use of these two products was received, HSA is alerting members of the public to stop consuming the stated batches of these products as a precautionary measure.

3     Zhenzhu Shedan Chuanbeimo (东阳商标珍珠蛇胆川贝末) is used for the treatment of high fever, cough, vomiting, phlegm and ‘clearing away heat and toxins’. Huatan Zhike Chongcao Zhenzhu Chuanbeimo (鸣鹤楼商标化痰止咳虫草珍珠川贝末) is used for the treatment of fever, fits, cough, vomiting and phlegm. Both products may be used by infants and young children, who are more susceptible to the adverse effects of arsenic.

4     Arsenic is a heavy metal that occurs naturally in the environment and is present in the natural ingredients used to manufacture Chinese Proprietary Medicines (CPM). A minute amount of 5 parts per million (ppm)¹ of arsenic is permitted in Chinese Proprietary Medicines. However, laboratory tests detected arsenic levels of 8.16 ppm and 8.48 ppm in Batch number T292 of both Zhenzhu Shedan Chuanbeimo (东阳商标珍珠蛇胆川贝末) and Huatan Zhike Chongcao Zhenzhu Chuanbeimo (鸣鹤楼商标化痰止咳虫草珍珠川贝末) respectively. Exposure to excessive amounts of arsenic can potentially cause symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, dark coloured urine, dehydration, heart related problems, dizziness, confusion, increased heart rate and low blood pressure. 

Consumer advisory

5     Members of the public who have purchased the affected Batch T292 of Zhenzhu Shedan Chuanbeimo (东阳商标珍珠蛇胆川贝末) and Huatan Zhike Chongcao Zhenzhu Chuanbeimo (鸣鹤楼商标化痰止咳虫草珍珠川贝末) are strongly advised to stop consuming them immediately. If they feel unwell or are concerned about their health after consuming the affected products, they are advised to consult their doctors immediately. HSA also advises members of the public not to consume these products if they are not sure of the batch they have in their possession. 

6     Consumers may contact Tientsin Da-Chong Trading, the local distributor of Zhenzhu Shedan Chuanbeimo (东阳商标珍珠蛇胆川贝末) and Huatan Zhike Chongcao Zhenzhu Chuanbeimo (鸣鹤楼商标化痰止咳虫草珍珠川贝末), at Tel: 6382 4393 should they have any enquiries about the consumer recall.

_{[1] 5ppm is equivalent to 5x10^-6 grammes of arsenic per gramme of CPM powder, which is a very minute amount.}

HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE
18 DECEMBER 2014

Download pdf version here421 KB Published: 18 Dec 2014

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