Paracetamol tablets recalled due to potential fungal contamination

M&A Pharmachem is recalling specific batches of 500mg 1 x 1,000 paracetamol tablets as a precautionary measure because a small number of pots from some batches have been found to contain discoloured tablets due to fungal contamination.

The fungus that has been found in a number of batches of the paracetamol tablets has been identified as Penicillium citrinum. It is unlikely that any affected tablets will have got to patient level as the discolouration is noticeable on opening affected packs, UK Medicine and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has said.

The full product information, including relevant batch numbers and expiry dates of the affected products, can be found on the UK government website.

The MHRA has said to stop the supply of the batches affected immediately. It has also advised that all remaining stock is quarantined and returned to the supplier using the supplier’s approved process.

It has also been advised that this alert is brought to the attention of relevant contacts by a copy of the letter found on the recall notification. NHS Regional teams are asked to forward this letter to relevant clinics, general practitioners and community pharmacists.