Health Product Warning
Chinese herbal products pose potential health risks
February 10, 2006

Health Canada is warning consumers not to use a number of Chinese herbal products manufactured by the Hong Kong Chi Chun Tang Herbal Factory due to bacterial contamination that could lead to serious health risks.

The Hong Kong Department of Health has issued a warning about batch number 50069 of these products after finding dangerous levels of bacteria. These products are in powder or pill form, and their labels designate their use in infants and children. According to the label, they are used for a variety of ailments and symptoms including colds, coughs, fever, stomach and bowel problems.

The following list (grouped according to product name) provides the specific names of the products.

Bo Ying Pills group

1. Bo Ying Pills
2. Chi Chun Tang Chu Pai Bo Ying Dan
3. Hung Win Bo Ying Pills
4. Bao Zhu Brand Bo Ying Pills

Hou Tsao San group

5. Chu Pai Hou Tsao San
6. Hou Tsao San
7. Xian Cao Tang Chu Pai Hou Tsao San
8. Chi Chun Tang Chu Pai Hou Tsao San
9. Bao Zhu Brand Hou Tsao San

Chut Lee San group

10. Chi Chun Tang Chu Pai Chut Lee San
11. Bao Zhu Brand Chut Lee San
12. Chu Pai Chut Lee San

Other

13. Chi Chun Tang Pearl Bat Po Keng Foong Powder

These products are not authorized for sale in Canada, and so far have not been found for sale on the Canadian market. The manufacturer of these products did not distribute them to Canada. However, Canadians who may have purchased these products over the Internet or while travelling abroad are warned not to use them, and to consult with a health care professional if they have concerns about their health due to these products.

Bacterial contamination of products can be hazardous to human health and produce a range of adverse effects with varying severity, depending on the exposure patterns and sensitivities of the individual. Children can be particularly vulnerable to these health effects.

To date, no adverse reactions from the use of these products have been reported in Hong Kong or in Canada. To report a suspected adverse reaction, please contact the Canadian Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Program (CADRMP) of Health Canada by one of the following methods: