Tag: Chemistry

Health ministry recalls blood-pressure drug

The Ministry of Health, via its Chemistry, Food and Drug Division, has announced a voluntary recall affecting specific lots of bisoprolol fumarate and hydrochlorothiazide tablets, a generic medication used to treat hypertension.

The affected lots are 17232401 (expiring November 2025), 17232401 (expiring November 2025), 17232401 (expiring November 2025), 17240974 (expiring May 2026), 17240974 (expiring May 2026) and 17240974 (expiring May 2026).

The recall was initiated by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc in coordination with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after routine quality testing identified a potential cross-contamination issue. Trace amounts of another drug, ezetimibe, a medication used to treat high cholesterol, were detected in reserve samples of the product, which should not have been present in the blood-pressure medication.

A total of 11,136 bottles of these products have been affected by the recall.

While FDA’s classification of this recall is Class III, indicating that exposure to the trace contaminant is not likely to cause adverse health effects, the ministry is urging appropriate precaution.

The ministry advised that people who may have purchased or are currently in possession of the affected products to discontinue use immediately and return the medication to the place of purchase.

It said anyone with health concerns should consult with their healthcare provider as patients should not abruptly stop antihypertensive medication without professional guidance.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Office of the Director of the Chemistry, Food and Drugs Division via email at cfdd@health.gov.tt or phone at 217-4664 ext 13101.

UWI hosts World of Chemistry Days

POST-SEA students from three primary schools got to dress up for a day in lab coats, safety goggles and gloves and learned the basics of chemistry at “chemistry festivals” organised by UWI, St Augustine.

This collaboration involved three chemistry festivals targeting 150 post-SEA students.

These festivals were held at TML Primary School, St Joseph, on June 10, El Dorado North Hindu Primary School on June 18 and Lucia’s Private School, St Augustine on June 20.

The events were organised by the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, under the direction of lecturer Dr Yomica Powder-George and research fellow Dr Fasisal Mohammed, through a partnership with the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Students from TML Primary School, St Joseph enjoying their scientific exploration on June 10. – Photo courtesy UWI

“The festivals aimed to highlight the value of chemistry in daily life, foster early excitement for the discipline, and inspire future scientific professionals through interactive activities,” UWI said in a press release .

Volunteers from the Department of Chemistry helped them do seven experiments, which included learning about the absorbing properties of diapers and painting with acids, among other things.

Students who took part got giveaway bags that included chemistry souvenirs such as ACS pocket periodic-table cards and Celebrating Chemistry magazines, as well as instructions on simple experiments that can be done at home with household products. The schools involved also received an ACS wall poster of the periodic table of elements.

Event organisers Dr Faisal Mohammed (far left) and Dr Yomica Powder-George (far right) pictured with volunteers from the Department of Chemistry, UWI, St Augustine Campus, with completed ACS Outreach Training Program certificates in hand. – Photo courtesy UWI

“Feedback from the events was overwhelmingly positive from students and educators, with both expressing a keen desire for future experiences,” said the release.

A participant said,”I learned so much about how chemistry is all around us. I can’t wait to learn more about chemistry in secondary school.”

Power-George and Mohammed said events like this are crucial in popularising science and empowering students to pursue various careers.

“We believe that events like these are crucial for igniting a passion for science at an early age, and the enthusiasm and curiosity we witnessed were truly inspiring.

We envisage this earlier-than-usual introduction to chemistry at the upper primary level can provide students with invaluable skills of long-term value and generate a range of holistic benefits.”

Health Ministry: Docetaxel injections recalled

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has issued a voluntary recall for two lots of Docetaxel injections, USP through its Chemistry, Drug and Food Division.

Docetaxel Injection, USP is indicated for the treatment of patients with certain types of cancer.

In a release on June 6, the ministry says the recall was issued by international distributor Sagent Pharmaceuticals owing to the potential presence of particulate matter from the stopper in the drug product.

While the recalled products are not registered for use in Trinidad and Tobago, out of an abundance of caution, the ministry advise anyone who has these products to discontinue using them immediately and to return them to the place of purchase where possible.

The ministry said it would monitor the situation and advise the public as necessary.

For additional information, contact the Office of the Director of the Chemistry, Food and Drugs Division by e-mail at cfdd@health.gov.tt or phone at 217-4664 ext 13101.

Recalled meat being removed from shelves

STORES have begun removing a recalled ready-to-eat product from shelves after the Health Ministry issued a voluntary recall on Thursday.

The product distributor, All Italian, issued an update on its Facebook page on Friday morning. It indicated the affected products were removed from its shelves after it was contacted by both the ministry and its supplier, Beretta, about the recall of Coppa cured meat from a specific batch.

“We would like to reassure our customers that we are complying with the instructions and have removed the Coppa. This is the Coppa 4 oz packs. The Ministry of Health has directed us that Antipasto 6 oz packs with Coppa are unaffected and safe,” All Italian said.

The ministry’s voluntary recall notice was issued on Thursday afternoon through its Chemistry, Food and Drug Division. The recall was for “an undetermined amount of ready-to-eat meat products containing Coppa, that may be under-processed and may have resulted in possible contamination with food borne pathogens.”

It continued, “Food borne pathogens such as salmonella or listeria can cause symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, and fever within six hours to six days after eating the contaminated product.”

The products subject to recall display the establishment number “EST. M47967 or M7543B” inside the USDA mark of inspection or in inkjet print on the front of the package.

The ministry urged those who may have these recalled products to discontinue use immediately and to return the product to the place of purchase where possible.

Meanwhile, the Supermarkets’ Association president Rajiv Diptee told Newsday the issue was raised among the members and suppliers. He said assessments are ongoing to determine how much of the recalled product has been sold and if still available on shelves, it will be removed.

“For the recall issued by the Ministry of Health, we would strongly advise all retailers under the auspices of the Ministry of Health and the Consumer Affairs Division to do such in terms of refunding customers and collecting the item for disposal,” Diptee said.

“This is something that we will be working on to ensure that customers are not affected at this point.”

Health Ministry, Vemco recall Quaker Oats products

QUAKER Oats granola bars, Quaker oatmeal squares cinnamon and Quaker oatmeal squares brown sugar are part of a recall exercise by the Quaker Oats Company due to salmonella contamination.

In a release, the Health Ministry said there has been a revised voluntary recall notice for Quaker Oats granola bars as of January 11 due to possible salmonella contamination.

It said according to Quaker Oats, it has expanded its list of more than a dozen recalled products issued on December 15 to include additional cereals, bars and snacks, due to salmonella contamination.

The list includes Quaker Chewy granola bars (fruity fun) in the flavours of amazing apple, splendid strawberry, amazing apple and splendid strawberry variety pack, yogurt strawberry, yogurt blueberry, and yogurt variety packs; Cap’n Crunch Treats crunch berries cereal bar, Cap’n Crunch Treats bars variety pack, Cap’n Crunch Treats peanut butter crunch cereal bar, Cap’n Crunch Treats original crunch cereal bars.

Other products include Quaker Chewy granola breakfast cereal chocolate and strawberry variety pack, Quaker Chewy granola breakfast cereal chocolate, Quaker Chewy granola breakfast cereal strawberry, Quaker oatmeal squares cinnamon, Quaker oatmeal squares brown sugar, Quaker oatmeal squares honey nut, Cap’n Crunch OOPS! All Berries cereal, Cap’n Crunch cinnamon crunch cereal, Cap’n Crunch sea berry crunch cereal, Gamesa Marias cereal, Cap’n Crunch instant oatmeal, Cap’n Crunch OOPS! All Berries instant oatmeal, Gatorade protein bar, peanut butter chocolate protein bar, and Munchies snack mix (munch mix).

The ministry said salmonella is a dangerous bacterium which can lead to severe illnesses when it enters the blood stream. Most people who get sick from salmonella develop symptoms – such as diarrhoea, fever and stomach cramps – between six hours and six days after infection, according to the US Centers for Disease Control. More severe cases of infection may include aches, headaches, elevated fever, lethargy, rashes, blood in the urine or stool. In some instances, the illness may become fatal.

The Ministry of Health advises people who may be in possession of the recalled products to discontinue use immediately.

In addition, Vemco, in an advertisement said of the additional products identified – Quaker oatmeal squares cinnamon and Quaker oatmeal squares brown sugar were distributed in Trinidad and Tobago.

It said the Quaker oatmeal squares cinnamon were the 14.05 oz size, with the serial number 03000061534, with the expiry date range of January 11, 2024 to October 1, 2024. It said the Quaker oatmeal squares brown sugar were the 14.05 oz size, with the serial number 03000064412, with the expiry date range of January 11 to October 1.

Vemco said, “Out of an abundance of caution, and on guidance from our supplier, we are removing all the affected products (as outlined above) from stores.

“We are also asking that any consumers who have the product in their possession to immediately dispose of the items without consuming.”

The company said the recall only applies to these specific products as well as the four Quaker Chewy bars already recalled. It said no other Quaker products are impacted and are safe for consumption.

For additional information, contact Vemco at 1(868)226-4836 between 8 am and 4 pm.

Additionally, information can be obtained by contacting the Office of the Director of the Chemistry, Food and Drug Division via email at cfdd@health.gov.tt or phone 217-4664 ext 13101.