Excessive arsenic levels in two Chinese medicines: HSA
A batch of two Chinese Proprietary Medicines (CPM), Zhenzhu Shedan Chuanbeimo and Huatan Zhike Chongcao Zhenzhu Chuanbeimo, have been found to contain levels of arsenic that exceed the permissible limits allowed. They are manufactured by Kang Sheng Chinese Medicine Manufacturer Pte Ltd and distributed locally by Tientsin Da-Chong Trading.
Although there has been no reported incidents so far, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has warned the public not to consume these two products while Tientsin Da-Chong Trading has recalled the affected products and is helping with investigations.
The arsenic levels were detected during HSA’s routine product quality surveillance of locally marketed health products and retailers have been instructed to stop sales and remove the affected stocks from their shelves.
Zhenzhu Shedan Chuanbeimo is used to treat high fever, cough, vomiting, phlegm and ‘clearing away heat and toxins’ while Huatan Zhike Chongcao Zhenzhu Chuanbeimo is a medicine for fever, fits, cough, vomiting and phlegm.
According to a statement from the HSA, both products may be used by infants and young children, who are more susceptible to the adverse effects of arsenic.
Although only five parts per million (ppm) of arsenic is allowed in CPMs, test reports revealed arsenic levels of 8.16 ppm and 8.48 ppm in batch number T292 of both products. Exposure to excessive amounts of arsenic can lead to vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, dark coloured urine, dehydration, heart related problems, dizziness, confusion, increased heart rate and low blood pressure.
Consumers may contact Tientsin Da-Chong Trading, the local distributor of Zhenzhu Shedan Chuanbeimo and Huatan Zhike Chongcao Zhenzhu Chuanbeimo, at 6382 4393 should they have any enquiries about the consumer recall.
Source: Asia One
Published: 18 Dec 2014
Category: Features, Health alert
