There has been growing concern of late regarding contaminated medical pads and wipes manufactured by H&P Industries, Inc., which were sold under the Triad Group label and under the private labels of many drugstores and grocery stores, including Walgreens, CVS, and Wal-Mart, and, was also used at hospitals and medical clinics.
According to an MSNBC report, U.S. Marshals arrived at H&P Industries, Inc. in Wisconsin on April 4 to provide orders to confiscate products. The plant closed shortly after the incident. H&P industries reportedly did not comply with the Food and Drug Administration’s order for them to put a hold on the manufacture or distribution of all drug products until the U.S. Marshals’ arrival. To further complicate matters, the FDA has been scrutinized by some, including two U.S. senators, for being aware about contamination and sterilization issues at the Hartland, WI plant almost two years ago.
The FDA revealed new data on April 4 demonstrating additional contaminated H&P Industries, Inc., and Triad Group products. The company’s recalled alcohol pads and wipes have been at the forefront of lawsuits that allege serious infections and death. In one suit against the manufacturers of the recalled alcohol prep pads, the parents of a 2-year-old boy who died from an uncommon infection are alleging that contaminated wipes led to their son’s bacterial meningitis.
During inspections of the H&P plant, serious and widespread issues with the firm’s “high purity” water system were detected. Faulty drains that could cause sewage back-up directly into the plant’s water system and issues with heat sanitation were discovered. It was also noted that prior to March 2009, the plant did not maintain any sanitation records of the water supply system. It was also found that equipment was poorly designed to properly carry out its intended use, i.e., cleaning and maintenance, thus affecting the quality of manufacture, processing, packing and holding of drug products.
Product manufacturers, especially those in charge of medical products and devices, are responsible for adequately maintaining their facilities to ensure that bacteria and other contaminants do not taint products or put the safety of consumers at risk. At Blume Goldfaden, our New Jersey defective medical product lawyers have the legal experience and resources needed to hold negligent manufacturers accountable for their negligence. Call us at 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation about your potential claim.