Hot/cold packs recalled

QX179R SG

Companies recall hot/cold packs found to contain toxic substance

SINGAPORE: Ten types of hot/cold packs sold in Singapore have been voluntarily recalled by their companies as the packs contain a toxic substance.

Laboratory tests revealed these packs contain the anti-freeze ingredient ethylene glycol, instead of the non-toxic substance propylene glycol.

The 10 affected packs are marketed under three brands - SURGIPACK, Soft R&R and OSIM.

The packs are Surgipack Soft Hot/Cold Pack Large, Surgipack Soft Hot/Cold Pack Small, Soft R&R Cold/Hot Pack-M, Soft R&R Cold/Hot Pack-L, OSIM uBaby Fever Band, OSIM Shoulder Pad, OSIM uKids Fever Band, OSIM Face Mask, OSIM Eye Mask and OSIM Hot/Cold Compress.

The packs can be frozen or heated up and are used as a compress to relieve headache, toothache, aching muscles and strains (sic).

While there have been no adverse reports from the use of these products locally, the Health Sciences Authority (HAS) says the recall is a precaution.

It was alerted to the danger following a case of accidental poisoning in Australia, where a young child had chewed through the plastic packaging and swallowed some ethylene glycol.

HSA says the affected products have been voluntarily withdrawn from sale since Thursday.

An estimated 2,000 pieces of the affected products have been sold in Singapore.

Consumers who have purchased these products are advised to stop using them immediately.

For more information, consumers can contact the respective companies:

Surgipack - Tyco Healthcare Pte Ltd, Tel: 6482-2098
Soft R&R - Assisted Living Pte Ltd, Tel: 6254-2916
Soft R&R - Lifeline Corporation Pte Ltd, Tel: 6289-2062
OSIM - OSIM International Ltd, Tel: 6741-1538

- CNA/yt

QX179R SG

Pharmacies pull affected hot/cold packs off the shelves

SINGAPORE: Companies carrying the affected hot/cold packs have completed their recall at the wholesale and retail levels.

Pharmacies voluntarily pulled out some 600 packs off the shelves on Tuesday, after the Health Sciences Authority issued an alert on 10 packs on Monday.

Laboratory tests had revealed that these packs contain the anti-freeze ethylene glycol, instead of the non-toxic propylene glycol.

Frozen or heated, the packs are used to relieve headaches, toothaches, aching muscles and strains.

The three affected brands are Surgipack, Soft R&R and OSIM.

OSIM is encouraging customers to return the packs for a voucher or a product of a similar value.

A pharmacy says a water-based pack is a safer alternative.

Some say the move to recall the products was overly cautious as it takes tampering to rupture the plastic packs before any liquid can leak.

Others thought it wiser to err on the side of caution.

A member of the public said, "I have 4 kids and I support that decision to have that stuff taken off the shelf because… kids tend to bite or take the stuff (and) I think it is harmful for them.

"I have used packs similar to this one. For adult usage I think (it is) perfectly safe. You just have to watch the supervision of your children (if they use it) because you know that is something like any other household product. Even if it has a warning, you still have to watch."

- CNA/yt

maurizio13 SG

Stupid parents, those stuff are not chewable toys.