No growth of rhizopus found in Europharm drugs, says HK Health Department

HONG KONG, March 10 (Chinese media) -- Initial laboratory analysis of samples of

pharmaceutical products by Europharm had indicated no growth of rhizpous, said a

spokesman for the Hong Kong Department of Health on Tuesday.

The spokesman said that initial laboratory analysis of samples of all 41

pharmaceutical products (not including the recalled allopurinol) which were

supplied to the Hospital Authority by Europharm had indicated no growth of

rhizpous so far in the products.

Laboratory tests were on going and the results were expected to be

available later this week, said the spokesman.

Allopurinol is used primarily to treat hyperuricemia, an excess of uric

acid in blood plasma, known commonly as gout. A recent University of Hong Kong

study found the drugs produced by Europharm Laboratories has been contaminated.