On April 9, South Korean health authorities decided to recall and ban the sale of about 1,200 drug products due to contamination with asbestos in one of their excipients - talc. About 120 pharmaceutical manufacturers were affected.
Back home in Singapore, PSS has been in contact with HSA to obtain the official situation in Singapore for both drugs and cosmetics containing talc. We will update members further if there is any action needed. On 21-Apr-09, PSS Community Chapter issued a notification to our members to pre-empt them of the potential risks. Members were also advised to heighten their vigilance, and to seek confirmation from suppliers of the talcum powders they sell were free from asbestos. Below is the communication sent to all pharmacy managers on 21-Apr-09:
Dear Pharmacy Managers/ representatives,
It was brought to our attention that there is a recall on product containing talc in South Korea due to its asbestos content.
The following actions are recommended.
1) check your products for those containing talc
2) for those containing talc, ask your suppliers to produce information on analysis for asbestos content
3) if they are unable to do so, ask them about their action plans
As there is a possibility of media attention, it is a good time to remind your pharmacists to refer them to
a) follow your in-house corporate communication protocol if it is a matter concerning your company/institution
b) you to forward to PSS if it is a professional matter with nation wide implication.
Please get back to me your follow-up on this matter. If there is any development, do let me know. Many thanks!
Ivan Chew
PSS Community Chapter
**********
