The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) reported that in December, 167 drug samples tested by regulatory authorities were found to be ‘not of standard quality (NSQ)’. Among these, 74 samples were identified by Central Drugs Laboratories and 93 by State Drugs Testing Laboratories. The list of NSQ and spurious drugs is regularly published on the CDSCO portal as part of routine surveillance.
Identification of NSQ samples is based on the failure of these drugs to meet specified quality parameters during testing. This identification is specific to the tested batch and does not imply issues with other products in the market. Additionally, in December, a few drug samples from various regions were flagged as spurious, indicating unauthorized manufacturing under established brand names. Investigations are ongoing, and necessary actions will be taken as per regulations.
Regular actions like identifying NSQ and spurious drugs are conducted in coordination with state regulators to ensure prompt removal from the market. This reflects the active and responsive regulatory framework in place to safeguard public health and maintain quality standards.
In the same month, a total of 205 drug samples were declared NSQ, with 64 by Central Drugs Laboratories and 141 by State Drugs Testing Laboratories.
