The Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) on Friday warned that drugs and other medications should not be packaged in Ziploc bags, plastic cups or envelopes for sale.
In a press release, the Department stated that it is seeking to ensure that drugs or pharmaceuticals that are distributed are safe. The GA-FDD said that importers, distributors and even pharmacies should ensure that pharmaceuticals are properly sealed in bottles and those packages should carry the patient information package translated in English.
“The Department continues to observe where medications are repackaged in Ziploc bags, Envelopes and Plastic cups displayed in cabinets for sale,” the GA-FDD said in the release, while adding that the poor storage conditions of the drugs can result in them deteriorating or disintegrating and subsequently cause the loss of the drugs’ effectiveness or result in incorrect expiration dates being given.
“Proprietors are therefore advised to ensure that all Pharmaceuticals are not repackaged in Ziploc bags or envelopes prior to customer’s purchase and collection via prescription; neither should they be kept in storage conditions of between 28 and 32°C,” it said.
Additionally, the Department stated that if those distributors or pharmacies fail to comply with the advisory, they will then take enforcement actions which could see those drugs being seized, until an investigation and inquiry or trial is completed.
