Tag Archives: China

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Public urged not to buy or consume unlabelled slimming products with controlled ingredients (with photo)

     The Department of Health (DH) today (May 6) appealed to the public not to buy or consume unlabelled slimming products that may contain controlled medicine ingredients and might be dangerous to health.     

     Acting upon intelligence, it was found that someone was offering for sale via a social media platform an unlabelled slimming product and claiming the product to be “Fat burning pills”. Samples of the product were obtained for analysis and the Government Laboratory’s results confirmed that the samples contained sibutramine, a Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138). The DH’s investigation is continuing. 

     Sibutramine was once used as an appetite suppressant. Since November 2010, products containing sibutramine have been banned in Hong Kong because of increased cardiovascular risk. 

     According to the Ordinance, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be legally sold in the market. Illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years’ imprisonment. 

     The DH spokesman strongly urged members of the public not to buy products of unknown or doubtful composition, or to consume products from unknown sources. Members of the public who have purchased the above product should stop consuming it immediately. They should consult healthcare professionals for advice if feeling unwell after consumption. 

     The spokesman added that weight control should be achieved through a balanced diet and appropriate exercise. The public should consult healthcare professionals before using any medication for weight control. They may visit the website of the Drug Office of the DH for “Health message on overweight problem and slimming products” and “Information on slimming products with undeclared Western drug ingredients” for more information.    

     The public may submit the product to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1801, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.

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East Asia

CHP investigates outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection at kindergarten

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 6) investigating an outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) at a kindergarten in Sha Tin, and appeals to members of the public and staff of institutions to stay alert and maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene.

     The outbreak involves 13 boys and 10 girls aged 3 to 6. They developed cough, runny nose, sore throat and fever since April 26. Seventeen of them sought medical attention and none required hospitalisation. All of them are now in stable condition.
 
     Officers of the CHP have advised the kindergarten to adopt necessary infection control measures against respiratory infections. The kindergarten has been put under medical surveillance. In addition, since the symptoms of URTI are similar to those of COVID-19, for prudence’s sake, the kindergarten is covered in the compulsory testing notice (CTN) on April 30 to exclude the possibility of COVID-19 infection. The kindergarten was required to suspend teaching activities for at least five days for cleaning and executing the CTN.

     The public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against influenza and other respiratory illnesses and note the following:
 

  • Receive a seasonal influenza vaccination for personal protection;
  • Surgical masks can prevent transmission of respiratory viruses from ill persons. It is essential for persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) to wear a surgical mask;
  • Wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
  • Avoid touching one’s eyes, mouth and nose;
  • Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
  • When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
  • Cover the nose and mouth with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards; 
  • Maintain good indoor ventilation;
  • When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending class at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly; and
  • Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.
 
     Members of the public, particularly children, the elderly and those with chronic diseases, should wear a face mask and consult a doctor promptly if they develop symptoms of respiratory tract infection. read more

East Asia