One-size-fits-all drug rules ‘fatal’ risk

Date: 13/06/02

By Peter Chapman

PROPOSED standards on 'child-proof' packaging for medicines and drugs are not rigorous enough and could result in needless deaths, critics warned this week.

A vote is due to take place at the European Standardisation Committee (CEN) in September on a draft standard aimed at preventing the average five year old from removing more than eight tablets from a peel-off pack in ten minutes.

But researchers at London's Guy's and St Thomas hospital say even one tablet could kill or seriously injure nursery-age children.

ANEC, the European Association for the Coordination of Consumer Representation in Standardisation, which ordered the study, said it shows the need for stricter controls.

It wants to follow the US system, where safety rules for packaging are related to the strength of the drugs they contain. The more dangerous the drug, the more rigorous the rules to ensure packaging is child-proof.

In contrast, ANEC says, the European draft standard is 'one size fits all'.

Proposed standards on 'child-proof' packaging for medicines and drugs are not rigorous enough and could result in needless deaths, critics have warned.