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Product Regulation & Liability

Singapore: Health Sciences Authority issues recall of therapeutic products sold locally, and issues update on products found by overseas regulators to contain potent ingredients

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In brief

On 13 September 2022, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) issued a retail-level recall in respect of a therapeutic product found to contain foreign matter. Earlier this month, the HSA also issued an update on products found and reported by overseas regulators to contain potent ingredients, and briefly explained the possible side effects of the potent ingredients.

Key takeaways

The HSA actively monitors, both locally and overseas, health products that may pose a threat to public health. Consumers are encouraged to exercise caution when purchasing health products online while sellers and distributors should constantly ensure that their products are in line with the applicable healthcare regulations.

Sellers and suppliers of health products should note that anyone who supplies health products in Singapore that are adulterated or counterfeit may face a fine of up to SGD 100,000 and/or imprisonment of up to three years.   

In more detail

The HSA recalled two batches of Neomycin Sulfate 500mg tablets as foreign matter was identified in the active pharmaceutical ingredient used in the manufacturing process. Hospitals and pharmacies have been instructed to stop supplying the affected batches and to return the remaining stocks to the company.  

The HSA also published a consolidated list of products that were found and reported by health regulators overseas (including regulators in Myanmar, Hong Kong, Canada and the United States) to contain potent ingredients.

The HSA also provided a brief explanation on the possible side effects of the potent ingredients found in the health products to increase awareness.

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Andy Leck is the head of the Intellectual Property and Technology (IPTech) Practice Group and a member of the Dispute Resolution Practice Group in Singapore. He is a core member of Baker McKenzie's regional IP practice and also leads the Myanmar IP Practice Group. Andy is recognised by reputable global industry and legal publications as a leader in his field. He was named on "The A-List: Singapore's Top 100 lawyers" by Asia Business Law Journal 2018. In addition, Chambers Asia Pacific notes that Andy is "a well-known IP practitioner who is highlighted for his record of handling major trade mark litigation, as well as commercial exploitation of IP rights in the media and technology sectors. He's been in the industry for a long time and has always been held in high regard. He is known to be very fair and is someone you would like to be in the trenches with you during negotiations." Furthermore, Asian Legal Business acknowledges Andy as a leading practitioner in his field and notes that he “always gives good, quick advice, [is] client-focused and has strong technical knowledge for his areas of practice.” Andy was appointed by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) as an IP Adjudicator to hear disputes at IPOS for a two-year term from April 2021. He has been an appointed member of the Singapore Copyright Tribunal since May 2010 and a mediator with the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center. He is also appointed as a Notary Public & Commissioner for Oaths in Singapore. He previously served on the International Trademark Association’s Board of Directors and was a member of the executive committee.

Author

Ren Jun Lim is a principal with Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow. He represents local and international clients in both contentious and non-contentious intellectual property matters. He also advises on a full range of healthcare, as well as consumer goods-related legal and regulatory issues. Ren Jun co-leads Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow's Healthcare as well as Consumer Goods & Retail industry groups. He sits on the Law Society of Singapore IP Committee and on the Executive Committee of the Association of Information Security Professionals. He is also a member of the Vaccines Working Group, Singapore Association of Pharmaceutical Industries, a member of the International Trademark Association, as well as a member of the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Association. Ren Jun is ranked in the Silver tier for Individuals: Enforcement and Litigation and Individuals: Prosecution and Strategy, and a recommended lawyer for Individuals: Transactions by WTR 1000, 2020. He is also listed in Asia IP's Best 50 IP Expert, 2020, recognised as a Rising Star by Managing IP: IP Stars, 2019 and one of Singapore's 70 most influential lawyers aged 40 and under by Singapore Business Review, 2016. Ren Jun was acknowledged by WTR 1000 as a "trademark connoisseur who boasts supplementary knowledge of regulatory issues in the consumer products industry." He was also commended by clients for being "very responsive to enquiries and with a keen eye for detail, he is extremely hands-on. His meticulous and in-depth approach to strategising is key to the excellent outcomes we enjoy."

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