As reported by Tuoi Tre, the Drug Administration of Vietnam’s Ministry of Health announced that the Ho Chi Minh City Drug Quality Control Institute retested batch number 110224 (manufactured on February 21, 2024, with an expiration date of February 20, 2027) of Padobaby oral powder. The test revealed that the product failed to meet quality standards due to discrepancies in the methylparaben content. Methylparaben is a common preservative used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. This deviation directly impacts the product’s stability and safety for consumption.
The non-compliant Padobaby batch was classified as a Level 3 violation—the most severe category under current regulations.
According to regulations, any medication failing to meet methylparaben standards constitutes a Level 3 violation, mandating immediate recall. The defective batch was produced by Medipharco Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company and sampled from a pharmacy within Hapu Pharmaceutical and Medical Equipment Distribution Center in Hanoi.
The Drug Administration has ordered Medipharco to halt sales, seal all remaining stock, and issue recall notices to all distribution points. The company is responsible for recall costs, disposal, and compensation for any damages incurred, with a 30-day deadline starting November 25.
The Administration has directed the Hue Department of Health to oversee the recall process to ensure compliance. All provincial health departments must notify pharmaceutical outlets and users about the recall, publish the decision on their official websites, monitor implementation, penalize non-compliance, and report to relevant authorities.
The Ministry of Health has issued a nationwide recall for the Padobaby batch due to insufficient methylparaben levels, a preservative widely used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
Padobaby, an oral powder containing 2mg chlorpheniramine and 325mg paracetamol per packet, is commonly prescribed for children under 2 (with physician approval) to treat cold and flu symptoms such as fever, nasal congestion, runny nose, and headaches. Patients must not use Padobaby for self-medicated pain relief exceeding 10 days (adults) or 5 days (children) without medical supervision, as prolonged pain may indicate underlying conditions requiring professional diagnosis and treatment.
