HSA issues alert over counterfeit Eye Mo eye drops
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) yesterday issued a public health and safety alert over counterfeit eye drops sold at two shops here.
The products were fraudulently labelled as "EYE MO Regular" (7.5ml) and "EYE MO Moist" (7.5ml) from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).
HSA found them to be of poor quality with bacterial contamination.
This is the first case of counterfeit eye drops being sold by shops here.
HSA, which is conducting further investigations, said it was first alerted to possible counterfeit items being sold at a provision shop late last year.
The products were immediately seized by HSA, with GSK confirming its counterfeit nature.
HSA said it has since conducted islandwide surveillance and seized similar counterfeit eye drops from another shop. It said the quantities seized were "limited".
The two shops in question were Eskimo Frozen Foods Pte Ltd, located at 36, Chai Chee Avenue, and H.J. Ventures Pte Ltd at Block 150A, Bishan Street 11.
Based on HSA's investigations, the counterfeit Eye Mo products were only sold in 7.5ml pack sizes, while genuine Eye Mo products are available in sizes of 7.5ml, 9ml, 15ml and 18ml.
The fake bottles and cartons were also printed with combinations of batch numbers and manufacturing dates that have never been used by GSK.
HSA warned that counterfeit eye drops can cause serious harm to users as they are administered directly on the eyes.
In this case, the eye drops were contaminated with bacteria, which can cause eye infections and potentially lead to serious complications such as corneal ulcers (open sores in the outer layer of the eye) and blindness.
Consumers who suspect they may have purchased counterfeit Eye Mo products are advised to contact GSK at sg.customer-relations@gsk.com or 1800-622-7238.
HSA advised those who experience any adverse reactions such as severe eye irritation, redness, blurred vision, pain, light sensitivity, unusual discomfort after using the counterfeit eye drops to consult a doctor immediately.
Members of the public who are aware of counterfeit health products being sold by retailers or online are encouraged to contact HSA's enforcement branch at 6866-3485 or hsa-is@hsa.gov.sg. - The Straits Times.
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