Hong Kong’s habit of popping a throat lozenge at the first tickle has come under fierce scrutiny this week. In its 513th test report, the Hong Kong Consumer Council analyzed 41 best-selling throat lozenges and found that a staggering 30 out of 41 products are legally registered as general food items, not medicine. The blurred line between candy and drug is causing consumers to unwittingly dose themselves with potent active ingredients or, conversely, rely on sugar-filled sweets for a condition that demands real medical attention.
Meds or Mints? The 11 out of 41 Rule
Most people assume a “medicated lozenge” contains actual medicine. The Council found otherwise. Only 11 of the tested samples held proper pharmaceutical registration—10 as Western drugs and 1 as a Chinese patent medicine.
Many of the food-grade products still contain serious active ingredients. Pharmacist Chiu Chun Ming warns that antiseptics like Dequalinium Chloride (found in Strepsils and Scassh) can cause tongue pain and stomach ulcers if users exceed the strict daily limit of 2 mg. Similarly, Benzalkonium Chloride (Delyte) is effective against bacteria but can trigger rashes and asthma-like symptoms in children under 12 who take too many.
Pain Relievers & the Allergy Trap
For severe pain, 5 of the tested brands rely on local anaesthetics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Benzydamine Hydrochloride (Travex) is a strong NSAID that should never be taken for more than 7 consecutive days. Dr. Wong Tak Cheung specifically warns that those with NSAID allergies risk throat ulcers or anaphylaxis.
The hidden danger here is antihistamine-laced lozenges. Ingredients like Chlorpheniramine Maleate help soothe throat inflammation from nasal drip, but they cause severe drowsiness. The Council explicitly warns consumers never to drive or operate heavy machinery after taking these, as the sedative effect matches that of full-strength allergy medication.
The Sugar Paradox: Why Your Throat Gets Worse
The most counterintuitive finding involves sugar. Chinese Medicine Doctor Leung Jing highlights that “sugar generates dampness,” which directly breeds phlegm. If you are coughing, eating a high-sugar lozenge might actually make your symptoms worse.
The test results back this up. Three specific lozenge brands contained over 3 grams of sugar per piece. If a consumer eats just six lozenges a day, they consume 18g of sugar—nearly 40% of the WHO’s maximum daily intake of 50 grams.
Parents also received a sharp warning: half of the food-grade samples contain honey. The Council warns that honey lozenges should never be given to infants under 12 months due to the risk of infant botulism. Two specific brands were flagged for their high honey concentration, making them unsuitable for toddlers.
A Band-Aid, Not a Cure
The consensus from the expert panel is clear. A lozenge treats the symptom, not the cause.
“If your throat is severely inflamed, a lozenge is just a band-aid,” the Council concludes. “You need to see a doctor.”
For minor dryness, experts suggest a simple sugar-free candy first to stimulate saliva. If you do need a medicated lozenge, the Council insists on checking for the “HKP” registration number for Chinese medicines or a formal drug license for Western ones. Stick to the dosage limits printed on the box, never drive after taking antihistamine versions, and stop if your symptoms persist for more than two days.
The ultimate takeaway is a simple one: read the label, not just the flavor. Knowing whether you are holding a piece of candy or a dose of medicine is the first step toward a truly safe and effective remedy.