Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
DH requests two licensed Chinese herbal medicine wholesalers to recall Semen Arecae exceeding limits for aflatoxins (with photo)
Hotlines for public enquiry concerning the recall have been set up by China Red (tel: 2857 6600) and Skyline (tel: 6222 7696).
The DH will continue to investigate the case and closely monitor the recall.
According to the Chinese Medicine Ordinance (Cap. 549), Semen Arecae, the ripe seed of Areca catechu L, is a Schedule 2 Chm. Semen Arecae is used to kill worms, eliminate accumulation, promote “qi” circulation, promote urination and interrupt malaria.
Aflatoxins are a family of heat-resistant compounds produced by the moulds Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus and related species. Hot and humid conditions and poor storage can contribute to a higher occurrence of moulds and consequently high levels of aflatoxins in contaminated Chm. The DH advises the industry to have strict control on the temperature and humidity of the storage facilities for Chm that is susceptible to mould infestation and members of the public to properly store Chm at a dry and cool place.
Members of the public may visit the following website of the Chinese Medicine Regulatory Office of the DH for more information on the adverse health effects of aflatoxins and proper storage of Chm:
www.cmro.gov.hk/files/en/useful_information/public_health/pamphlet/Herbal_Medicines_and_Aflatoxin_Eng.pdfIssued at HKT 18:30
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