Hong Kong recalls mercury-tainted medicine
May 7th, 2011 - 9:22 am ICT by IANSHong Kong, May 7 (IANS) Hong Kong’s department of health has ordered the recall of a traditional Chinese medicine found to contain excessive levels of mercury, Xinhua reported.
The action was taken after a sample obtained by department inspectors from the market was found to contain about two times the permitted limit of mercury.
The drug is known to be used by children for the treatment of “generalised discomfort” like restlessness at night or fever.
Initial investigation found that the batch of the medicine was manufactured in the Chinese mainland and imported by a Hong Kong wholesaler.
A spokesman from the department explained that mercury can cause inflammation of the mouth while prolonged exposure can damage the neurological system and kidneys.
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Tags: chinese mainland, chinese medicine, department inspectors, department of health, excessive levels, fever, hong kong, inflammation of the mouth, initial investigation, kidneys, medicine, mercury, neurological system, prolonged exposure, restlessness, spokesman, traditional chinese medicine, wholesaler, xinhua