– Gov’t analyst says

THE Government Analyst- Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) is working to ensure that all drugs and pharmaceuticals used in both the private and public healthcare systems are registered safe, efficacious, of the requisite quality, and are distributed in accordance with the Food and Drug Regulation of 1971.

TheDdepartment recently disclosed that it has sought, over the years, to address the compliance of proprietors and pharmacists in relation to the trade, supply and sale of unregistered, improperly labeled (foreign language), improperly packaged and expired drugs and pharmaceuticals.

The GA-FDD recently issued an advisory to all importers/distributors, pharmacies and patent shops saying that all pharmaceuticals should be properly sealed in bottles/tubes and packages, and must carry a patient information leaflet/package insert translated in English.

The Department’s observation of medications which are packaged in Ziploc bags, envelopes and plastic cups and left standing in display cabinets for sale, is expected to continue.

This poor storage results in medicines being exposed to unsuitable storage conditions, which may lead to deterioration, disintegration and ultimately loss of potency and incorrect expiration dates.

Proprietors are therefore advised to ensure that all pharmaceuticals/drugs are only repackaged in Ziploc bags or envelopes prior to the customer’s purchase and collection via prescription. Additionally, they should be kept in storage conditions of between 28 and 32?C.

The GA-FDD says that failure to comply with its advisory will result in enforcement actions by the Department.

According to the Food and Drug Act of 1971 Regulation 21(d): “An inspector may at a reasonable time, seize and detain for so long as may be necessary for the purpose of any examination, investigation, trial or inquiry, any article by means of or in relation to which he reasonably believes any provision of this Act has been contravened.”

The GA-FDD is, therefore, urging customers to make inquiries about the storage conditions and presentation of dispensed medicines; that is, storage containers, best before date, and appearance.