China Shuts Down Gel Capsule Makers in Effort to Contain Chromium Scare

China’s State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) instructed local regulatory authorities to shut down drug facilities manufacturing gelatin capsules contaminated with toxic levels of chromium. The SFDA investigated 18 manufacturers and detected chromium in 15 companies’ capsules. Of the 941 batches tested for chromium, 74 were found to contain the chemical. The agency urged provincial authorities to carry out strict material checks and quality inspections and to place a moratorium on the sale and use of all capsules from the 15 companies with contaminated lots. Provincial authorities should also supervise the destruction of any contaminated capsules, the SFDA said.
International Pharmaceutical Regulatory Monitor