Advanced Medical Optics recalls contact lenses due to sterility risk
NEW DELHI, DEC 17: Almost nine months after Bausch and Lomb withdrew its contact lens cleaner from markets across the world including India for causing rashes and irritation, US-based eye care products maker Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) is recalling batches from the US, Japan and Indian markets due to reported sterility risk with its multipurpose contact lens solution and active packs produced at its manufacturing facility in China.Its products are sold under 18 brands but it’s recalling two brands: Complete MoisturePlus and Active Plus.
The company has recalled over 2.9 million units worldwide after finding bacterial contamination in three lots made at the plant in China and shipped to the US, Japan and India.
The company will suspend production at its plant in China for about 10 to 12 weeks. Bausch and Lomb during March 2006 withdrew its contact lens cleaner ReNu MoistureLoc from many markets across the world.
Even as about 1,83,000 units made it into the US, the company said it has not received any reports of adverse health events associated with the 18 recalled product lots in the country. However, the recall result showed on company’s scrip as its shares sank nearly 9% on the New York Stock Exchange.
Asked about the impact the move would have on its India business, a company spokesperson told FE in an e-mail: “a small percentage of recalled products were shipped to India. But, we believe the likelihood of consumers in India experiencing an adverse health reaction is low.”
Industry experts said the company enjoys about 20% market share in India. The size of the eye care products market in the country stands at about Rs 180 crore. AMO, however, has re-adjusted its 2006-07 sales outlook with a drop of about $45 million.
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