Reporting a product defect
If a pharmaceutical company becomes aware of an issue or defect with one of their products or a batch of product they must report this to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).
Complete the Product defect report form
(MS Word Document, 49KB)
and send it to rapidalert@vmd.defra.gsi.gov.uk.
If the product or batch is likely to be recalled due to the defect you must contact the VMD to discuss the issue. Where appropriate give details of the level of recall, e.g. wholesaler level, veterinary practice level.
List of recalled products
Products recalled in the UK in the last 12 months.
What issues are classed as a product defect?
These would include:
- incorrect labelling (e.g. product strength, name of ingredients)
- misinformation or lack of information on the packaging or leaflets
- incorrect manufacture (e.g. strength of the ingredients or an issue with the container)
- contamination of any kind
- stability (e.g. expiry)
- counterfeit or deliberately tampered with product
Further information on how VMD handles product defect reports can be found in Analysis of reports received by the VMD in 2016-17
(PDF, 244KB, 7 pages)
.
Legal requirement
The holder of an authorisation referred to in Article 44 of Directive 2001/82/EC (for veterinary products) is required by Article 13 of Directive 91/412/EEC (for veterinary products) to implement an effective procedure for the recall of defective products. The authorisation holder is required to notify the relevant Competent Authority of any defect that could result in a recall and indicate, as far as possible, the countries of destination of the defective product.
For information on human medicines please visit the MHRA Safety Information page.
rapidalert@vmd.defra.gsi.gov.uk
Alternatively phone the Inspections team via the switchboard on, 01932 336911.
