SACRAMENTO - State Health Officer James W. Stratton, M.D., M.P.H. warned the public not to use a Chinese patent medicine product called HUI CHUN TAN because it contains borneol an ingredient that can cause serious illness and death. Retailers, distributors and acupuncturists are being directed not to sell or provide HUI CHUN TAN.

A 2-year old child in San Diego was hospitalized after suffering two episodes of seizures after being given HUI CHUN TAN on separate occasions. The Department’s Food and Drug laboratory found the product contained the undeclared ingredient borneol. Borneol is a very toxic chemical which in small amounts can cause restlessness, excitement, and convulsions that can lead to death. Borneol also causes nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, and liver damage. Laboratory results also revealed the presence of a high level of lead.

HUI CHUN TAN is an imported product manufactured by United Pharmaceutical Manufactory, Kwangchow, China. HUI CHUN TAN is a brown powder sold in 2-inch vials, 12 vials to a yellow box. The box has illustrations of three interlinking babies on each side of red and white Chinese characters and black English instruction. The label indicates that HUI CHUN TAN is to be given to infants for vomiting, diarrhea, fever and other serious conditions.

Consumers should immediately stop using HUI CHUN TAN. If they are experiencing any effects from this powder, they should seek medical attention. Any HUI CHUN TAN should be returned to its place of purchase, or disposed of safely to prevent access by children.

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