Suffolk County, NY - April 15, 2015 - Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Services Dr. James Tomarken today warned parents that Bo Ying Compound, a powdered product marketed for treatment of various ailments in infants and children, may contain excessive levels of lead. The product is labeled in Chinese and English and is marketed in retail outlets and online. The label says the product should be given to infants and children for influenza, fever, sneezing and nasal discharge.
“Parents and caregivers should not use Bo Ying Compound, due to the potential risk of lead poisoning,” said Dr. Tomarken. “Those caregivers who have the product in their homes should discard it, and those who may have already given Bo Ying Compound to their children should consult a health care provider for evaluations and possible blood lead testing.”
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.
According to the FDA, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene analyzed samples of this product being sold in two stores in Montgomery County, Maryland, and found lead levels between 1.224-3.385 parts per million (ppm). In 2014, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene received a report of lead poisoning in an 18-month-old child who was given Bo Ying Compound. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene analyzed samples of this product collected in New York City and found lead levels between2.5-16 parts per million (ppm).
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.