Pan product recall experience differs

The Pan International product recall has been experienced differently by vitamin retailers on the Peninsula.

The recall created "confusion and chaos", according to Mr Gary Russell of Go-Vita Health and Nutrition Centre, Peninsula Plaza, Woy Woy.

Mr Russell said that while authorities continued to notify retailers of product withdrawal, uncertainty surrounded product credits and some customers expressed concerns about the safety of prescription medicines.

However, Mr Ross Pearse of Umina Mall Pharmacy said none of his customers has expressed such concerns.

He said prescription medicines were "safe and have been tested" and it would be more dangerous to discontinue than to continue taking them when needed.

Mr Pearse said that "only a limited range" of vitamin supplement and other non-prescription products were affected by the product recall.

But he said that anyone with any of the recalled products should stop taking them immediately.

If in doubt on which items have been recalled, a complete list was on the web and could be found at www.recalls.gov.au.

"In Australia, the arrangement is that we purchase non-prescription items on the understanding that quality is assured by the Federal Government.

"Like many of our customers, we also feel let down by what has happened", he said.

Mr Russell said customers were looking to substitute recalled with non-recalled vitamin supplement brands.

He said: "Vitamin supplements are an accepted part of the Australian diet.

"A lot of people have found them to be of great benefit."

Mr Russell said several spokespeople for vitamin supplement brands had said they did not use Pan as a contractor.

He said there were more such declarations to come.

Con Orfanos, April 30.