E-Fong Di Long, E-Fong Xi Xin and E-Fong Fang Ji

Retail-level recall of E-Fong Di Long, E-Fong Xi Xin and E-Fong Fang Ji due to detection of trace levels of Arsenic and Aristolochic acid I.

Date of recall:	23 September 2019
Product:	a) E-Fong Di Long 地龙 1g sachet b) E-Fong Xi Xin 细辛 0.5g sachet c) E-Fong Fang Ji 防己 0.6g sachet
Batch No.:	a) E-Fong Di Long 地龙 – All batches b) E-Fong Xi Xin 细辛 – All batches c) E-Fong Fang Ji 防己 – Batch no. 7040441
Class of Recall:	2
Level of Recall:	Retail
Local Company:	You Wang Chinese Medical Firm
Description of Issue:	The products were tested under HSA’s product quality surveillance programme and were found to contain prohibited substances or substances that exceeded allowable limits. a) E-Fong Di Long 地龙 was tested to contain Arsenic exceeding legislative limit b) E-Fong Xi Xin 细辛 was tested to contain Aristolochic Acid I c) E-Fong Fang Ji 防己 was tested to contain Aristolochic Acid I.
Recall Instructions	Retail suppliers: Stop supplying the affected batch and return the remaining stocks to the company.

 

E-Fong Di Long 地龙

 

 

E-Fong Xi Xin 细辛

 

 

E-Fong Fang Ji 防己

 

Note:

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) publishes information regarding recalls of health products supplied in Singapore. These product recalls may be conducted on a company’s own initiative or upon HSA request to remove products where there are issues with quality, safety or efficacy.  

When a recall is initiated, it does not necessarily imply that a product is considered unsafe or is inefficacious. A recall can also be initiated to remove products with quality defects that does not impact safety or efficacy from the market so as to ensure that products registered in Singapore continue to meet the stringent regulatory standards stipulated by HSA.

Not all recalls will lead to press releases. However, when a recall involves a product that has been widely distributed or a product that poses a serious health risk, HSA will issue a press release to inform members of public.

 

Class of recall

A recall is classified as Class 1 or Class 2 depending on the potential hazard of the issue. 

• Class 1: For recalls of products with issues that can potentially cause serious adverse health outcomes or death. 
• Class 2: For recalls of products with issues that would not likely cause serious adverse health outcomes. 

 

Level of recall

The level of product recall will depend on the potential hazard of the affected product, extent of distribution and whether other mitigating measures can be taken to address the issue.

1. Consumer level: Affected product or batch(es) recalled from patients and consumers as well as wholesale suppliers, retail suppliers, hospitals, clinics and pharmacies.
2. Retail level: Affected product or batch(es) recalled from retail suppliers, hospitals, clinics and pharmacies as well as wholesale suppliers.
3. Wholesale level: Affected product or batch(es) recalled from wholesale suppliers.

Published: 25 Sep 2019

Product Recalls