asked the Minister for Health the steps, if any, he proposes to take to prevent the sale of nutribronze and orobronze in pharmacies as both products contain canthaxanthin or betacarotene, and as major concern has been expressed about the possible harmful long term effects of both of these compounds by the health authorities in Britain, West Germany and Norway; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that these products are freely on sale in this country at the present time; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Sale of Harmful Compounds.
31.
The Department of Health has already taken the necessary steps to prevent the sale of products containing canthaxanthin or betacarotene.
Such products are considered to be medical preparations under the Medical Preparations (Licensing Advertisements and Sale) Regulations, 1984, for which product authorisations are required in order that they be placed on the market.
In 1984, the Department wrote to the distributors of orobronze informing them of this requirement. The company subsequently ceased importing the product. During 1985 all companies known to have marketed medical preparations containing canthaxanthin in Ireland were informed that these would not be recommended for product authorisations in view of the risk of danger to eyes with prolonged use.
In July 1987 it came to the Department's attention that nutribronze was being marketed in the south of Ireland. This distributor has been asked to confirm that nutribronze is no longer marketed and that the stock which remained on the market has been recalled. Assurances to this effect have been given by the company.