Health fear after poison metal found in remedies

Published on Monday 12 January 2004 00:00

AN investigation by a government health regulator has discovered mercury in Chinese herbal remedies sold in the Capital.

The probe found 35 stores across the UK, including certain stores in Edinburgh, were selling the traditional remedy containing the toxic heavy metal.

Now Britain’s Medicine and Healthcare Product Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has ordered the recall of Fufang luhui jianoang.

Investigations showed samples of the herb contained nearly 12 per cent mercury as well as other heavy metals.

John McKee, manager of Hanover Health Foods in Edinburgh and vice-chairman of the National Association of Health Stores, said today: "Whenever we hear scare stories about herbal remedies nowadays so many seem to come from the Chinese sector.

"Whether the products are badly contaminated with heavy metals, as in this case, prescription medicines, or simply do not contain the herb that it purports to contain it is of serious concern."

He added: "Twelve per cent of mercury is a whopping amount. Regular use could cause severe health problems. This concerns regular health food retailers selling herbal remedies as we are so often tarred with the same brush."