Barefoot Workers and 4 Other Reasons Why FDA Stopped Imports of Kilitch Eyedrops

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Kilitch Healthcare India Ltd is a pharmaceutical company located in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. — Kilitch Healthcare India Ltd Factory located in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra.

In a shocking revelation, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently exposed a multitude of sanitation and manufacturing issues at Kilitch Healthcare India, the Indian manufacturer behind the recent recall of eyedrops sold in the United States. The preliminary inspection report, published by the FDA, paints a disturbing picture of the conditions at the Mumbai-based factory, raising serious concerns about the safety of the products it produced. We shall be taking an in-depth look into the findings of the FDA inspection, shedding light on the unsanitary practices that led to the recall and the subsequent halt in imports.

Barefoot Workers and Unsanitary Practices

FDA officials discovered a disturbing array of problems during their inspection of Kilitch Healthcare India. Among the most alarming findings was the presence of barefoot workers in areas designated as sterile. Factory workers, lacking proper protective gear such as masks, gloves, and gowns, were observed working without regard to the necessary sanitary precautions. Even more disconcerting was the revelation that this was considered “standard practice” according to a manager at the facility.

Cracked Floors and Structural Issues

Beyond the blatant disregard for hygiene, the FDA inspectors documented structural issues within the factory premises. Cracked floors, water stains, and peeling paint on walls and ceilings raised questions about the overall maintenance and cleanliness of the manufacturing facility. These structural deficiencies not only pose a risk to the quality of the products but also indicate a lack of commitment to maintaining a sterile and safe environment.

Altered Records and Falsified Test Results

The FDA’s inspection report also uncovered a disturbing pattern of altered records and falsified test results at Kilitch Healthcare India. Factory officials were found to routinely omit or falsify contamination test results, compromising the integrity of the manufacturing process. A microbiologist at the facility admitted that bacterial samples triggering “alert or action limits” were not documented as required. Instead, officials would perform additional cleaning and then record false figures indicating sterility. This blatant manipulation of data occurred on a regular basis, raising serious questions about the reliability of the products manufactured at the facility.

FDA’s Response and Recall

In response to the alarming findings, Kilitch Healthcare officially recalled the lubricating eyedrops on November 13, 2023, after the FDA had issued a safety warning a few weeks prior. The recall, though somewhat a formality, serves as a crucial step in ensuring that the compromised products are removed from store shelves. CVS Health, Target, Rite Aid, and other national retailers promptly removed the recalled products from their stores.

Legal Limitations and FDA’s Call for Authority

The FDA, despite its crucial role in ensuring the safety of pharmaceutical products, lacks the legal authority to force drug manufacturers to recall their products. Instead, it relies on companies to voluntarily initiate recalls. In the case of Kilitch Healthcare, the FDA recommended the recall on October 25, 2023, and subsequently blocked imports from the company. The lack of mandatory recall authority has prompted the FDA to request additional powers from Congress to enforce recalls when necessary.

The revelations from the FDA’s inspection of Kilitch Healthcare India’s manufacturing facility are deeply concerning, highlighting a range of unsanitary practices and structural deficiencies. The recall of the eyedrops is a crucial step in preventing potential harm to consumers, as the compromised products could lead to vision loss or blindness. As the FDA continues its investigation, the incident underscores the need for stricter oversight and regulatory measures to ensure the safety and quality of pharmaceutical products, especially those manufactured overseas. Consumers must remain vigilant, and the pharmaceutical industry as a whole needs to prioritize the highest standards of safety and hygiene to prevent such incidents in the future.