Sanitary control discovers flaws

Ecuadornews:

Ensuring that food, medicines, hygiene products and makeup are suitable for human consumption is part of the functions of the National Agency for Health Regulation, Control and Surveillance (Arcsa).

The latest results of this work reveal a reality that seems to have been hidden. In the past they discovered that an oil brand was not ‘light’ as the label indicated and today they maintain a vigilance so that natural products have sanitary registration and do not use deceptive advertising promoting the idea that they are ‘cure everything’.

In recent weeks, Arcsa warned about two brands of milk and cheese that should not be consumed. Of one, only one lot was affected and the problem was overcome; and on the other, the temporary withdrawal of the health notification or registration was announced.

According to Arcsa, the whole pasteurized and homogenized milk of the La Serranita brand does not comply with the INEN 10: 2012 standard, since hypochlorites (bleach or chlorine) and chloramines (amines containing at least one chlorine atom) are present in its composition, what represents a risk to the health of those who consume it.

Ensuring that food, medicines, hygiene products and makeup are suitable for human consumption is part of the functions of the National Agency for Health Regulation, Control and Surveillance (Arcsa).

The latest results of this work reveal a reality that seems to have been hidden. In the past they discovered that an oil brand was not ‘light’ as the label indicated and today they maintain a vigilance so that natural products have sanitary registration and do not use deceptive advertising promoting the idea that they are ‘cure everything’.

In recent weeks, Arcsa warned about two brands of milk and cheese that should not be consumed. Of one, only one lot was affected and the problem was overcome; and on the other, the temporary withdrawal of the health notification or registration was announced.

According to Arcsa, the whole pasteurized and homogenized milk of the La Serranita brand does not comply with the INEN 10: 2012 standard, since hypochlorites (bleach or chlorine) and chloramines (amines containing at least one chlorine atom) are present in its composition, what represents a risk to the health of those who consume it.

On this case, Diario EXPRESO communicated with the Food Industry Cordovez Quecor Cía. Ltda., to give its version; but its manager, José Andrade, only indicated that for now they will not give statements and that they are going to appeal the decision of Arcsa.

The entity has strengthened the controls, so that consumers can be sure that something that affects health will not be allowed on hangers, Arcsa executive director Juan Carlos Galarza told Diario EXPRESO.

The authority explained that Arcsa, through the Management of Surveillance and Subsequent Control, makes an annual planning to comply with the inspections. There are also additional controls that are carried out in response to complaints and health alerts. “These actions are permanent, in order to protect the health of the population,” he said.

He added that this year a planning was implemented with a focus on the level of risk and with emphasis on high-risk health and human consumption products, such as medicines and biological products. And in terms of processed foods, in dairy products, meat, processed water and alcoholic beverages.

Galarza noted that he established the process of publishing health alerts on the Agency’s website.

Something that is also fundamental now is that since February of this year there is the Arcsa Móvil application, which allows to verify in real time the health alerts, consult records, health notifications and products certified in Good Manufacturing Practices. “The application also allows citizen reporting, which has increased.”

Doing work efficiently is part of fighting corruption. For this reason, in previous days the World Health Organization (WHO) named the country as Official Member number 126 of the WHO International Pharmacovigilance Program.

In all these actions are the explanations of why there are now more warnings of certain products that do not comply with sanitary standards.

Other cases

Warnings

So far this year, Arcsa has issued warning bulletins on its website and those who have the Arcsa Móvil application can read them in real time.

To date, 15 newsletters on food, 2 on cosmetics, 2 on medical devices and 45 on medicines have been published.

Cheese

In August, Arcsa issued the provisional suspension of Sanitary Notifications of Victoria’s whole semi-hard fresh cheese and of the whole and homogenized milk brand El Cortijo. The manufacturer’s name is Productos Lácteos San José. The reason for the suspension: breach of the rules. (I)

Source: https://www.expreso.ec/economia/control-sanidad-alimentos-economia-arcsa-comercio-CG2392271