Health Department Warns Against Use of Unregistered Eye Saver Herbal Medicines Due to Safety Concerns

DH urges the public once again not to use suspected unregistered proprietary Chinese medicines that were previously announced

The Department of Health (DH) today (August 11) urged the public not to use three types of suspected unregistered proprietary Chinese medicines (pCms) under the name of Eye Saver (a herbal formula eye conditioner) (see photo).

The DH announced last month that three types of suspected unregistered pCms were seized from Macrobiotics Enterprises Limited located at Room 155, 1/F, Peninsula Centre, 67 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. They all have the same name and packaging. However, one had Chinese words "強力" marked on it, one had Chinese words "超級" marked on it and one had Chinese words "特級" marked on it. The sample marked Chinese words "超級" failed to comply with the sterile requirement for eye preparations upon sterility test, indicating the safety and quality issues of the product.

Eye preparations must comply with the sterility requirement. Otherwise, there is a risk of causing eye infection. Although no related adverse reports have been received by the DH so far, members of the public who have purchased the above products are reminded again to stop using them immediately. Those who have applied the products and are feeling unwell should seek advice from healthcare professionals. People who have the product can submit it to the DH's Chinese Medicine Regulatory Office on 16/F, AIA Kowloon Tower, Landmark East, 100 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, during office hours for disposal.

In response to the above test result, the DH has strengthened the inspection and remind the retailers not to purchase and sell the above products. The use of unregistered pCms may pose threats to public health as their safety, quality and efficacy are not proven. All registered pCms should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the product label in the format of 'HKC-XXXXX'. The list of registered pCms is published on the website of the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong (www.cmchk.org.hk/pcm/eng/#main_dis.htm) for public reference.

DH urges the public once again not to use suspected unregistered proprietary Chinese medicines that were previously announced Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Dog Adoption Carnival 2026 to be held this weekend

The "Let's Go! The Pet Owners' Journey" Dog Adoption Carnival 2026, organised by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), will be held at the Cyberport Arcade between 11am and 6pm this weekend (January 17 and 18). Admission is free. Members of the public are welcome to join the event with their dogs.

The Adoption Carnival aims to encourage members of the public who intend to keep pets, to adopt abandoned or unclaimed animals, as well as promote responsible pet ownership. The co-organisers of the Carnival include Cheung Chau Animal Care, HK Saving Cat and Dog Association, Lifelong Animal Protection Charity, Paws United Charity, Society for Abandoned Animals, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Team for Animals in Lantau South.

Members of the public can interact with dogs that are up for adoption at the Adoption Carnival. Dog keepers can apply for or renew licenses on site. The Carnival also features veterinary consultation services, a dog playground, a virtual reality gaming experience, game booths, an interactive educational exhibition, pet-themed handicraft workshops, as well as sharing sessions by representatives of animal welfare organisations (AWOs) and guest speakers. Participants are welcome to take part with their dogs. However, dogs entering the venue should be licensed (except for those to be licensed on-site), vaccinated against rabies, and microchipped. All dogs should also be kept under proper control.

The AFCD has been committed to encouraging members of the public who wish to keep pets to adopt abandoned or unclaimed animals through the AFCD's partnering AWOs. Upon receiving animals, the AFCD will transfer animals assessed by veterinarians as being in good health and suitable for adoption to partnering AWOs for adoption by members of the public. The AFCD provides free desexing operations for cats, dogs and rabbits adopted through partnering AWOs.

For details of the event, please visit the thematic website of the "Let's Go! The Pet Owners' Journey" Dog Adoption Carnival 2026 (www.petswithlove.com.hk).

Source: AI-found images