B+L recalls eye drop batch after ink found

Bausch+Lomb has recalled some 36,000 bottles of Minims proxymetacaine hydrochloride 0.5 per cent eye drops in the UK after printer ink was found inside the containers.

The recall was issued last month by the MHRA and the Scottish Health Department, whose representative Irene Fazakerley wrote: 'B+L is recalling the batch because black particles have been identified in some packs. Initial investigations suggest that the contaminant is printing ink, in which case we understand that the risk of toxicity is low.'

Alison Bunce, pharmaceutical assessor, Defective Medicines Report Centre, added that primary care trusts were asked to forward the drug alert to GPs, community pharmacists, optometrists and relevant clinics.