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The Zanzibar Food, Drugs and Cosmetics Agency (ZFDA) has announced the immediate withdrawal of a batch of PED Zinc (Zinc Sulphate Dispersible Tablets) from the market due to concerns over its quality.
The recalled batch, numbered 2203002, was produced by a Nairobi-based manufacturer on March 1, 2022, and had been set to expire on February 28, 2025. Health facilities raised alarms after reports emerged that the tablets created a cloudy residue when dissolved, prompting ZFDA to investigate.
In a statement released yesterday, ZFDA’s Executive Director, Dr. Burhan Othman Simai, confirmed that laboratory tests conducted on the batch revealed it had failed to meet the required standards for human use. “Following these findings, the batch is deemed unsuitable for human consumption, and we are taking all necessary steps to ensure public safety,” Dr. Simai stated.
ZFDA is urging the public to check their medication and return any affected tablets to the health centers or pharmacies where they were purchased. Dr. Simai also advised anyone who may have already used the defective tablets to seek medical advice if they experience any unusual symptoms.
Healthcare providers across Zanzibar have been instructed to stop dispensing tablets from the recalled batch immediately. The agency has directed them to isolate the affected stock and return it to suppliers for proper handling. In addition, importers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers have been ordered to halt all sales and distribution of the defective batch and to hand over any remaining stock to ZFDA for safe disposal.
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The incident has highlighted the importance of stringent quality controls for pharmaceutical products. Dr. Simai called on the public and health professionals to remain vigilant and report any suspected issues with medicines. “We rely on feedback from both health workers and the public to act swiftly in safeguarding public health,” he noted.
The recall serves as a reminder of the vital role regulatory agencies play in protecting consumers from potentially harmful products. As ZFDA continues its oversight efforts, it assures the public of its commitment to ensuring the availability of safe and effective medicines on the market.
In the meantime, residents are encouraged to stay informed about product recalls and to take precautions when purchasing medication. The public’s cooperation in identifying and returning the affected tablets will contribute to minimizing health risks and maintaining trust in the healthcare system.
