The Texas Department of Health (TDH) is calling a halt to the distribution and sale of small amber vials of ginseng extract. Some of the extract has an alcoholic potency three times that of beer but is much more easily purchased by teen-agers and adolescents.

Health officials say labels on the vials do not indicate the product contains alcohol, an omission they claim violates the state's food, drug and cosmetics act. TDH laboratory analysis of samples of the product, imported from China, showed an alcohol content ranging from .18 percent to 16 percent, or 32 proof. In Texas, the maximum legal alcohol content in beer is 5.5 percent, or 11 proof.

"Our main concerns are that consumers should learn about the alcohol content from the label, not from experience, and that the product is so readily available to kids," said Dan Sowards, director of TDH's manufactured foods division. He said the product is sold primarily in independently owned convenience stores and gas stations and is often displayed next to candy, gum and other products marketed to children.

A single vial contains approximately 10 milliliters of liquid and sells for about $1. Sowards said the recall applies only to the small vials of ginseng extract and not to ginseng tea or other products containing ginseng. Ginseng is a Chinese herb. Liquid ginseng is extracted from the roots of the plant. Many believe ginseng provides an energy boost.

TDH is asking wholesalers to voluntarily stop distributing the product until labeling requirements are met and to recall the product from retail shelves. He said if the voluntary recall does not work, a mandatory recall could be implemented. The TDH findings have been sent to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission which is investigating whether the sale of the product violates the state's alcoholic beverage control laws.

Sowards said several types of the small vials of ginseng have been found in Texas and that all contain alcohol. The types include: American Ginseng Extractum; Renshenfengwangjiang Ginseng and Royal Jelly in a honey base; Ginseng Royal Jelly; Panax Ginseng Extractum - oral; Panax Ginseng Extract - liquid; Doctor Chan's High Potency Ginseng (in mint chocolate, amaretto, mocha and strawberry cream flavors); and Extra Strong Ginseng Extractum.

None of the labels mention that the product contains alcohol. Some labels indicate the product is an extract; others do not.

(For more information, contact Dan Sowards, Director, TDH Manufactured Foods
Division, at 512-719-0243; or Doug McBride, TDH Public Information Officer,
512-458-7111, Ext. 2214, or 512-458-7400.)