Earlier on, the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department seized from a dispensary in Sham Shui Po 10 bottles of fake human serum albumin for intravenous injection, worth $5,000, suspected of bearing a false claim of an active ingredient, "albumine humaine plasmatique", which is human serum albumin. A male proprietor and a salesman were arrested for further investigation.
Investigation has also revealed that the goods, namely Normal Serum Albumin (Human) Solution A 25%, had a forged Department of Health Hong Kong Product Registration Number, "HK-43226".
A Customs spokesman today (August 24) advised members of the public who have bought the goods to stop using them and consult their doctors immediately.
According to information provided by the Department of Health, human serum albumin is used in conditions such as burns and severe acute albumin loss. Since the goods do not contain the claimed ingredient, consumers who have used them cannot obtain the intended effects, and the goods might even cause deterioration of a consumer's health condition.
The spokesman said that Customs would take prosecution action against the offenders under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance. He also reminded consumers to buy pharmaceutical products from reputable retailers and not from unknown or doubtful sources.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who supplies goods with a false trade description in the course of trade or business or has in his possession for sale any goods with a false trade description commits a criminal offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Complaints concerning false trade descriptions can be reported to Customs through the Customs 24-hour hotline on 2545 6182.
Ends/Friday, August 24 2012
