Lede:
A recent investigation by the Hong Kong Consumer Council (HKCC) has turned the throat lozenge aisle upside down, revealing that 30 out of 41 popular brands tested are legally classified as ordinary food items rather than medicinal products. Alarmingly, some samples contained over 70 percent sugar, meaning that consumers reaching for a quick fix for a sore throat might be doing little more than eating candy, potentially aggravating their symptoms rather than curing them.
Body: The Classification Gap
The HKCC’s findings draw a sharp line between legitimate medicine and sweet relief. Of the 41 lozenges tested, only 11 are registered as Western drugs and a single product is classified as a registered Chinese patent medicine. The remaining 30 are sold as general foodstuff, often without clear dosage limits or detailed ingredient disclosures. Medical experts warn that while the cooling sensation of menthol or increased saliva flow can provide temporary comfort, this is purely a stopgap measure. “Lozenges treat the symptom, not the root cause of the infection or inflammation,” physicians caution. Once the lozenge dissolves, the discomfort often returns in full force.
Body: The Sugar Trap and Phlegm Cycle
The high sugar content in these “medicated” sweets is a particular red flag for patients battling colds or coughs. TCM practitioner Dr. Leong Jing specifically highlighted a key principle in Chinese medicine: “Sugar easily creates phlegm and dampness in the body,” which can worsen respiratory symptoms. Some high-sugar lozenges contained over 3 grams of sugar per piece. According to WHO guidelines, adults should limit their daily sugar intake to 50 grams. Just six lozenges from these high-sugar brands can consume more than a third of that allowance, making a sore throat worse by triggering excess mucus production. On a brighter note, the HKCC identified nine sugar-conscious alternatives for those who prefer a lighter option.
Body: Hidden Drugs and Serious Side Effects
Perhaps the most critical warning from the report concerns medicinal lozenges containing potent drug ingredients. Many consumers are unaware that these seemingly harmless pastilles can act as powerful medicines. Products containing benzydamine (a strong NSAID) require mandatory consultation with a pharmacist before purchase. Others pack chlorpheniramine, a sedating antihistamine that can cause dangerous drowsiness — making driving or operating machinery strictly inadvisable. Side effects from overdosing on medicinal lozenges range from tongue pain, stomach ulcers, and skin rashes to severe allergic reactions like facial swelling and breathing difficulties. The report outlines strict dosage limits for common brands such as Strepsils and Dacxi, and warns that ingredients like ambroxol hydrochloride should not be used by women in early pregnancy.
Body: The Honey Hazard for Infants
Adding another layer of caution, almost half of the food-grade lozenges tested contained honey or honey derivatives. While honey acts as an effective demulcent, soothing irritated throat membranes, the HKCC reiterated a critical public health warning: these products must never be given to infants under 12 months of age. Natural honey can carry botulism spores, which pose a severe risk of infant botulism due to a baby’s immature digestive system.
Conclusion: Actionable Takeaways
So what is the right way to navigate the lozenge aisle?
- Check the classification: Look for a “HKP” number on the package to confirm the product is a registered Chinese patent medicine with clearly stated ingredients and dosage.
- Mind the sugar: If you are coughing or feeling congested, avoid high-sugar varieties that can generate more phlegm.
- Respect the dosage: Do not exceed the daily limits printed on medicinal lozenges. Treat them like the drugs they are.
- Consult a professional: For severe pain, persistent infection, or if you are pregnant, a doctor’s diagnosis is non-negotiable.
The HKCC investigation serves as a powerful reminder that what you put in your mouth deserves the same scrutiny as what you take from a pharmacy. Whether it is empty sugar or a hidden cocktail of drugs, reading the label before you pop a lozenge could save you from a worse sore throat — or a trip to the emergency room.