Shocking Brew of Deception: Nearly 200 ‘Hong Kong Big Pharmacy’ Companies Exposed for Fraudulence!

Date: 10th March 2025 – Hong Kong

In a startling revelation, a comprehensive investigation by HK01 has uncovered shocking details surrounding the increasingly popular brand “Hong Kong Big Pharmacy.” Many pharmacies and online platforms in Hong Kong are marketing products under this name, claiming to represent a "Century-old Hong Kong Brand." However, these products, which are purported to be locally produced, are entangled in a web of complexities, including alleged falsification and misrepresentation.

The investigation discloses a staggering 200 companies registered under various names that all revolve around "Hong Kong Big Pharmacy," most of which have emerged in recent years. Dubiously, many of these entities are reportedly run by individuals from mainland China, falsely “borrowing” historical narratives linked to Watsons, the renowned pharmacy established in 1841. This has led to rising suspicion among mainland consumers regarding the authenticity of these products, particularly concerning their claims of being “made in Hong Kong.”

Furthermore, all these products contain traditional Chinese medicinal components, yet there seems to be a significant gap in regulation. The Hong Kong Department of Health has not classified these products definitively as traditional Chinese medicine, instead creating a grey area of uncertainty where such items can be marketed without proper registration. This precarious loophole has further complicated matters, raising alarms about the safety and reliability of goods sold under the “Hong Kong Big Pharmacy” moniker.

A probe into the pharmacies within the bustling Mong Kok area in February revealed that at least three establishments openly displayed “Hong Kong Big Pharmacy” products on their counters. Curiously, some shops only produced the items upon inquiry, indicating that awareness of their dubious standing might be higher than they let on. Staff members presented these products as being purely traditional Chinese medicine, aimed at various ailments, but the diverse packaging and branding suggest a more convoluted reality.

The investigation also found alarming variations in products marketed as “Hong Kong Big Pharmacy.” One offering, the “Bone Relief Cream,” appeared in three distinct versions, each bearing different packaging, trademarks, and company information. This variation exemplifies the level of confusion and potential fraud associated with the brand.

The dubious claims have not stopped at product variations; a significant online presence among these companies underscores the disturbing trend, with one entity, “Hong Kong Big Pharmacy Co. Limited,” accumulating approximately 210,000 followers on the short video platform Douyin. Despite insisting on their century-long heritage, records show this company was only registered in July 2024, and its trademark remains pending.

Additionally, alleged certifications from notable institutions like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the “Hong Kong Medical Research Association” (HKMRA) have been thoroughly debunked. There are no affirmative records of such endorsements available, leading to further skepticism regarding these product claims. In fact, it has now been revealed that the HKMRA itself does not exist in any legitimate capacity in Hong Kong, painting a grim picture of the professionalism behind these operations.

With ongoing investigations into these fraudulent practices, the Hong Kong Department of Health has cautioned consumers to be wary of suspicious products with uncertain origins. HKTVmall has acted quickly by removing the implicated products from its platform, committing to a thorough investigation that promises accountability for any violations found, which may result in severe penalties for the involved merchants.

The Consumer Council has noted a troubling trend, receiving nearly 500 complaints over the past three years regarding counterfeit or misrepresented medicinal products. Consumers are urged to meticulously verify the credentials of merchants, ensuring they are legitimate and licensed Chinese medicine traders before making potentially health-affecting purchases.

Stay tuned for further developments on this alarming story, as the search for truth continues amid a sea of deception!