freespirit
4th December 2012, 12:32 PM
http://news.ca.msn.com/top-stories/ontario-labs-licence-pulled-by-health-canada
Health Canada has suspended the licence of Toronto-area drug testing lab Chemi Pharmaceutical claiming results were falsified on some products it inspected.
The agency made the announcement on Tuesday.
The company's website says it performs quality control testing for a variety of products, including drugs, food and cosmetics.
Health Canada said companies that had products tested at the Mississauga facility are being asked to temporarily suspend sales until it can confirm the safety of products.
"There was a number of schemes that were used by the company to falsify test results," alleged Paul Glover of Health Canada, during news conference.
Testing was done but not always, he said.
"Tests were made up, fabricated. Other times they were released before tests were actually completed," he alleged.
The products ranged from veterinary drugs to natural health products and ingredients potentially used in food, cosmetics and medications for the treatment of high blood pressure and diabetes.
Health Canada inspectors uncovered problems during a regular inspection. Chemi Pharmaceutical was asked to take corrective actions but when an inspector received a tip, a regulatory team performed a surprise visit and gathered evidence suggesting a pattern of falsifying records, the agency said.
Manufacturers need to retest products to ensure safety, officials said. If any problems turn up, then recalls may be required.
Health Canada said its survey of the company's clients indicated that only a portion of the tests were for final products.
So far, 53 products and ingredients need to be retested. The agency is gathering more information about another 25 products or ingredients.
Health Canada called the alleged falsification of documents unprecedented. Law enforcement officials, including the RCMP, have been informed about Health Canada's findings.
List of companies and products, Health Canada (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2012/2012_184lt-eng.php)
Health Canada has suspended the licence of Toronto-area drug testing lab Chemi Pharmaceutical claiming results were falsified on some products it inspected.
The agency made the announcement on Tuesday.
The company's website says it performs quality control testing for a variety of products, including drugs, food and cosmetics.
Health Canada said companies that had products tested at the Mississauga facility are being asked to temporarily suspend sales until it can confirm the safety of products.
"There was a number of schemes that were used by the company to falsify test results," alleged Paul Glover of Health Canada, during news conference.
Testing was done but not always, he said.
"Tests were made up, fabricated. Other times they were released before tests were actually completed," he alleged.
The products ranged from veterinary drugs to natural health products and ingredients potentially used in food, cosmetics and medications for the treatment of high blood pressure and diabetes.
Health Canada inspectors uncovered problems during a regular inspection. Chemi Pharmaceutical was asked to take corrective actions but when an inspector received a tip, a regulatory team performed a surprise visit and gathered evidence suggesting a pattern of falsifying records, the agency said.
Manufacturers need to retest products to ensure safety, officials said. If any problems turn up, then recalls may be required.
Health Canada said its survey of the company's clients indicated that only a portion of the tests were for final products.
So far, 53 products and ingredients need to be retested. The agency is gathering more information about another 25 products or ingredients.
Health Canada called the alleged falsification of documents unprecedented. Law enforcement officials, including the RCMP, have been informed about Health Canada's findings.
List of companies and products, Health Canada (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2012/2012_184lt-eng.php)