Steroids found in health tea! If you have drunk the tea, consult a medical institution
Based on information received by the Doctor Mailbox1, NCAC purchased and examined the concerned health tea labeled "JAMU TEA" and found dexamethasone (a steroid medication) therein. NCAC issued a consumer alert about the product on April 12, 20232. In early April, similar products labeled "JAMU", etc. were sold on shopping websites. NCAC examined three similar products and found dexamethasone in two out of the three products. It appears to be problematic under the Act on Securing Quality, Efficacy and Safety of Products Including Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices. Drinking the tea can affect human health. Therefore, NCAC decided to issue a consumer alert.
Photo 1: Appearance of the product in which dexamethasone was found (No.1)
Photo 2: Appearance of the product in which dexamethasone was found (No.2)
- 1 NCAC has a webpage called "Doctor Mailbox" to catch information directly from doctors about accidental injuries caused by products or services, which will be used to help prevent similar incidents.
- 2 "Steroids found in health tea for hay fever relief! If you have drunk the tea, consult a medical institution" released by NCAC on April 12, 2023 (Japanese version)
Advice for consumers
If you have consumed any of the products including steroids that are pharmaceutical ingredients, get medical attention.
Request to businesses
If you have sold any of the products including steroids that are pharmaceutical ingredients, stop selling them immediately and recommend purchasers to get medical attention.
Request to the government
The products including steroids that are pharmaceutical ingredients appear to be problematic under the Act on Securing Quality, Efficacy and Safety of Products Including Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices. Please give guidance to the businesses concerned.
