Expired drugs found in vet pharmacies

Inspectors from the animal and plant health division of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) found 155 litres of liquid drugs, 2,124 capsules and 120kg of powder that ranged from antibiotics to vitamins and feed supplements.

Legal proceedings are being taken against the owners, the authorities said. Mohamed Jalal Al Reyaysa, director of communication and community service at ADFCA, said, “We call upon animal owners to inspect the expiry dates on the veterinary drugs. ADFCA is currently developing comprehensive standards and specifications for the use and sale of veterinary drugs in the 
emirate.”

There are around 70 veterinary establishments in the emirate, including clinics, pharmacies and laboratories.

Reyaysa warned veterinary pharmacies against unethical and illegal practices such as the sale of expired drugs and said the authority would take stringent action against any drug store selling expired or banned veterinary drugs.

Recently, inspectors had visited animal and poultry farms and, butcheries to ensure that the overall hygiene and sanitation facilities were up to the standards set. — anwar@khaleejtimes.com