FDA continues to warn consumers not to use Eu Yan Sang (Hong Kong) Ltd.’s “Bo Ying compound"
Latest warning comes after elevated levels of lead were found in the product in Maryland
[Updated: 4/10/15] The FDA is working with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) and other states to continue to warn consumers and caregivers not to use Eu Yan Sang (Hong Kong) Ltd.’s “Bo Ying compound” because of the possible lead poisoning risk associated with the product. This reminder comes after the Maryland’s DHMH found elevated levels of lead in these products.
The powdered product is marketed in retail outlets and online for use in infants and children for treatment of a variety of conditions including influenza, fever, sneezing, and nasal discharge. The product is labeled in Chinese and English.
Parents and caregivers are advised to not purchase or use “Bo Ying compound.” Anyone using this product or providing it to a child should immediately consult a health care professional.
Exposure to lead can cause serious damage to the central nervous system, the kidneys, and the immune system. In children, chronic exposure to lead, even at low levels, is associated with impaired cognitive function, including reduced IQ, behavioral difficulties, and other problems.
FDA has received one adverse event of lead poisoning in an 18-month-old child who was given this product. DHMH is not aware of any additional cases of lead poisoning associated with the products.
Health care professionals and consumers are encouraged to report to FDA any adverse events potentially related to “Bo Ying compound” manufactured by Eu Yan Sang (Hong Kong) Ltd. or to any other alternative medicines to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program by:
- Completing and submitting the report online at MedWatch Online Voluntary Reporting Form
- Downloading and completing the form, then submitting it via fax at 1-800-FDA-0178
FDA became aware of the lead poisoning risk associated with “Bo Ying compound” products last fall from the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene after the product was tested and found to contain high levels of lead. FDA has an import alert in place that includes the Eu Yan Sang (Hong Kong) Ltd. and the product “Bo Ying compound.” The import alert is intended to prevent the product from entering the United States.
[9/25/14] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns parents and caregivers not to use “Bo Ying compound” manufactured by Eu Yan Sang (Hong Kong) Ltd. due to the potential lead poisoning risk associated with the product.
The powdered product is marketed in retail outlets and online for use in infants and children for treatment of a variety of conditions including influenza, fever, sneezing, and nasal discharge. The product is labeled in Chinese and English.
Parents and caregivers are advised to not purchase or use this product. Anyone using this product or providing it to a child should immediately consult a health care professional.
Exposure to lead can cause serious damage to the central nervous system, the kidneys, and the immune system. In children, chronic exposure to lead, even at low levels, is associated with impaired cognitive function, including reduced IQ, behavioral difficulties, and other problems.
FDA learned of this risk from the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene after the product was tested and found to contain high levels of lead. FDA has received one adverse event report of lead poisoning in an 18-month-old child who was given this product.
Health care professionals and consumers are encouraged to report to FDA any adverse events potentially related to “Bo Ying compound” manufactured by Eu Yan Sang (Hong Kong) Ltd. or to any other alternative medicines to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program by:
- Completing and submitting the report online at MedWatch Online Voluntary Reporting Form
- Downloading and completing the form, then submitting it via fax at 1-800-FDA-0178