Retail pharmacies, wholesalers, and distribution centres have been instructed to cease the sale of affected batches of Citro-soda and to return all stock to their respective suppliers. Furthermore, Consumers who have purchased the affected products are advised to return them to the nearest health facility, pharmacy, or store.
This comes as the South African Health Products Regulatory
Authority (SAHPRA) recalled specific batches of Citro-Soda Regular products.
[Citro-Soda
Regular 60g, Citro-Soda Regular 120g, Citro-Soda
Regular 4 g x 30 Sachets]. The recall, which took effect on 17 March 2026,
follows the identification of a potential risk of foreign material
contamination during an inspection conducted at the Adcock Ingram Clayville,
Johannesburg, manufacturing facility.
PICTURE: Citro-sodaBriefing the media on Tuesday, SAHPRA emphasised that this
action forms part of its routine regulatory oversight and risk-based approach
to safeguarding public health. SAHPRA also reassured the public that it
continues to actively monitor the situation and engage with the manufacturer to
ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements.
SAHPRA Inspectorate and Regulatory Compliance Head,
Lebohang Mazibuko, said critical deficiencies were identified, including contamination
risks from metallic and black residues on equipment.
‘’We found [the] presence of metal fragments from the
manufacturer equipment and some unknown black particles from those
manufacturing equipment. Those metal fragments were from the manufacturing
vessels that are used to manufacture this product. Hence, we say you cannot
consume a metal and be well after that.’’
Other issues included inadequate cleaning procedures,
damaged and rusted equipment, and the absence of proper air handling systems to
control contamination.
Members of the public who may have consumed the affected
products and are experiencing any adverse side effects are urged to visit their
nearest health facility and report such incidents to SAHPRA.
“The safety and well-being of the public remain our highest
priority. SAHPRA will continue to act decisively and transparently to ensure
that all health products on the market meet the required standards, of quality,
safety and efficacy,” said Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, the Chief Executive
Officer of SAHPRA.
SAHPRA said it will continue to monitor this recall to
ensure that all affected batches are destroyed. Furthermore, SAHPRA said it would
monitor compliance at the affected facility until they have satisfactorily
implemented corrective actions and preventative actions prescribed to them.
Done By: Mitchum George
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