TCMs found to be contaminated

Niu Huang Jie Du Pian, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) made by Beijing Tong Ren Tang Co, the country's largest TCM producer, was found to contain heavy metals, the ­Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). the UK government agency overseeing medicines and medical devices, said in a statement released Tuesday.

The medicine which is used to treat various infections and inflammation such as mumps and sore throat, as well as two TCM products that are used in the treatment of menstrual pain and hair loss, were "found to contain ­dangerously high levels of lead, mercury and arsenic," said the statement.

These medicines are unlicensed and unauthorized for sale in the UK, according to the MHRA, which said however they have "been found to be available on the Internet."

Tong Ren Tang could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.