Fake Gelatin Capsules found in China

As reported in China Daily and on the The State Food and Drug Administration's (SFDA's) website, contaminated gelatin capsules were produced and contain excessive levels of a toxic material (chromium).  

Local police will investigate 43 capsule manufacturing companies in Xinchang and suspend operations for those found to be operating outside the law, the spokesman said.   As of today, 53 individuals have been arrested for allegedly producing and selling pharmaceutical capsules containing excessive levels of chromium.

Image from SecuringPharma and to read their article go to http://goo.gl/wfhUZ

To read the full story in the China Daily go to: 
http://goo.gl/8KjKg

The State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) says it has ordered a recall of 13 products produced at 9 plants known to have used the contaminated gelatin-based capsules, including two antibiotics, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency.

The fake edible gelatin raw materials were made from waste leather leftovers supposed to be used in leather clothing.  The leftovers were treated industrial chemicals that lead to the excessive levels of chromium.  Once the gelatin is extracted from the leather it is then sold to capsule manufacturers that then sold the capsules to pharmaceutical companies to use to make medicines.

As this case and others demonstrate, it is not just expensive Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients or Drug Products that are faked.   Inexpensive raw materials like sodium chloride and glycerin have caused many deaths around the world once contaminated, adulterated or counterfeited.