The Department of Health (DH) today (January 6) received the testing result from the Government Laboratory, revealing that the pesticide residues of a batch of Chinese herbal medicine (Chm), Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (白朮) (batch number: 250920), exceeded their limits during the DH's market surveillance.
The batch of Chm was imported by a licensed Chm wholesaler Wong Chak Kee Limited (Wong Chak Kee), from the Mainland for local sale. Testing result of the sample revealed that each kilogram of Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (batch number: 250920) contained 0.04 milligrams of Fipronil and 0.04 milligrams of Phorate, exceeding the limits set by the Chinese Medicines Board of the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong (each kilogram of the Chm should not contain more than 0.02 milligrams Fipronil or Phorate). DH has immediately requested Wong Chak Kee to recall the alleged batch of Chm from the market.
“Based on the level of pesticide residue detected in the sample, the risk of adverse health effects under consumption for treatment of diseases is low. So far, no adverse reports related to the use of the above Chm have been received. Investigations are ongoing,” a spokesman for the DH said.
The spokesman added that Chm should be rinsed under running water before decocting to remove the dirt on the surface and to ensure the cleanliness of the Chm. Chm should also be soaked in water before decoction.
According to the Chinese Medicine Ordinance (Cap. 549), Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae is the rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. It is a Schedule 2 Chm used to fortify the spleen, replenish qi, dry dampness, promote urination, stop sweating and prevent miscarriage.
Wong Chak Kee has set up a hotline (2858 2168) for related enquiries. The DH will closely monitor the recall.
The DH urged members of the public who have purchased the above Chm to stop using them immediately and may submit them to the Chinese Medicine Regulatory Office of the DH on 16/F, AIA Kowloon Tower, Landmark East, 100 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, during office hours for disposal. People who have taken the above Chm and feel unwell should seek advice from healthcare professionals.
Chinese Medicine Regulatory Office
6 January 2026
