Burst
Written by: Yang Wanting
2020-02-21 22:50
Last updated: 2020-02-22 03:17The "Chi Man Pharmacy" of a pharmacy group with 20 branches in Hong Kong is suspected of selling methanol-based disinfectant alcohol. The Customs and Excise Department today (21st) searched the group's office and its 20 branches, seized 174 related disinfectant alcohol, and arrested 7 people .
The official website of the "Zhiwen Pharmacy" involved in the case reads "Authentic Traders, Guarantee of Confidence". The seized alcohol sold for 98 yuan per bottle. The bottle claimed to contain 75% ethanol. However, after testing by the government laboratory, the ethanol was confirmed. The content is less than 0.1%, while the content of methanol exceeds 52%. Methanol is toxic and harmful to the human body. If accidentally ingested, it can cause cancer, poisoning, and even death. Customs appealed to the people who have purchased it to stop using it.
The sterilized alcohol is marked "75% Alcohol", 1 liter per bottle.
The pharmacy group involved in the case is "Zhiwen Pharmacy". According to its official website, the group opened in July 2002 with branches in Hong Kong, Kowloon, and the New Territories. Some of the branches are registered pharmacies of the Hong Kong Government and members of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Pharmacy Chamber of Commerce. Participated in the "Genuine Genuine Commitment" program of the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Department. The official website has the "Confidence Assurance" of the members of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Pharmacy General Chamber of Commerce, and it is marked as "Authentic Goods Firm". The reporter tried to call the customer service hotline on the official website, but no one answered.
The Customs received an earlier report that a pharmacy in Tuen Mun sold suspected sterilized alcohol with false claims. Customs officers immediately went to the pharmacy for a trial purchase. The bottle of sterilized alcohol contained 75% ethanol. The laboratory test confirmed that the alcohol content of the disinfecting alcohol was less than 0.1%, and the methanol content was more than 52%.
Based on the test report, the Customs immediately deployed today's operation, searched the group's offices in Tuen Mun and 20 branches throughout Hong Kong, seized 174 sterilized alcohol and arrested 7 people. The product is contained in a 1-liter plastic bottle with a retail price of 98 yuan. The total amount of goods seized by the customs is only over 17,000 yuan. The Customs and Excise Department also inspected 236 retail outlets in Hong Kong, but found no products of the same type for sale.
A search of the Zhiwen Pharmacy Group's office and its 20 branches revealed the seizure of 174 sterilized alcohols. Seven people were arrested during the operation.
Ma Guangzu, chief trade control officer of the Customs Commodity Description Investigation Section, said that the products will be tested later to verify their safety, and the place of origin has not been confirmed for the time being. The case will be further investigated. The customs urges the public to stop using this disinfectant alcohol immediately. If there is a pharmacy selling this disinfectant alcohol, it should be removed immediately.
Methanol is an organic solution and is mainly used to make other chemicals or plastic materials, and even automobile fuel. Methanol is toxic and harmful to the human body. It can cause blindness if inadvertently taken. Ma Guangzu reminded that methanol itself has no odor, while ethanol has an alcoholic smell. The public buys disinfected alcohol. If they open it, they should be careful. When buying hand lotion, the public can pay attention to whether the bottle body is correctly labeled, whether there is a production date or an expiration date, and visit reputable stores. If you have any questions, you should check in detail. In addition, as alcohol is a flammable liquid, keep it away from fire and use it in accordance with the rules of use and avoid contact with children.
Today ’s operation is part of the “Guardian” operation. The “Guardian” operation began on January 27 this year and it is now 26 days. The Customs has sent over 2,300 customs officers to inspect more than 15,000 retail stores in Hong Kong to ensure the market. The anti-epidemic products sold on the site comply with the product description regulations and consumer product safety regulations. The "guardian" operation will continue, and the customs will strengthen law enforcement to prevent illegal businessmen from engaging in illegal activities.
The Centre for Health Protection also reminded earlier that industrial alcohol contains the impurity methanol, which can enter the body through the skin and cause poisoning. Hand rub made with industrial alcohol can cause nausea and vomiting, general pain, and abnormal liver function. It can be ingested through the digestive tract, respiratory tract, or skin, causing poisoning, which can lead to severe blindness and death.
Customs Wuhan Pneumonia