A routine quality check by the Health Sciences Authority found excessive amounts of lead in a batch of Chinese Proprietary Medicine labeled “Zhongya Brand Tzepao Sanpien Pill”, which claims that it can be used for a variety of conditions such as back pain, anemia, pale complexion and poor vitality. When consumed in large quantities or over a period of time, Lead may result in lead toxicity and the symptom may include abdominal pain, vomiting, muscle weakness and cramps.

It may be noted that the sale of one batch of this product (B/N 551001) was tested by HAS’s Pharmaceutical Laboratory to contain about 40 ppm of lead , which exceeds permissible limit of 20ppm allowed for CPM in Singapore. HSA is warning people who may have brought this batch, to stop consuming it. HSA said “Medical halls have already been informed to remove the affected stocks from the shelves. It advised members of the public who may have bought this batch to stop consuming it”. It also advised “Members of the public not to consume the pills if they are in doubt of the product batch they have in their possession. Consumers who have consumed the affected batch should consult a doctor if they experience symptoms of lead toxicity – for example, abdominal pain, vomiting, muscle weakness, cramps – or feel unwell”.

HSA also has requested consumers to seek medical advice is they have concerns over their health after taking this product and rest assured that it had received no adverse events associated with the product.