Becton Dickinson ramps up U.S. syringe production amid China quality concerns

[March 21, 2024]  (Reuters) -U.S-based medical equipment maker Becton Dickinson said on Thursday it has increased domestic production of medical syringes after the U.S. drug regulator recommended not using some China-made syringes as part of its ongoing quality probe.

The U.S.-based medical equipment maker, one of the world's largest syringe suppliers, said it had increased manufacturing in its Nebraska and Connecticut facilities from November when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration first raised concerns about China-made syringes.

The FDA had said last year that it is looking into reports of leaks, breakages and other quality problems with plastic syringes manufactured in China and that it may prevent such syringes from entering the U.S. market if necessary.

The health regulator issued additional recommendations on Monday to U.S. suppliers, consumers, and health care organizations to immediately transition away from using plastic syringes manufactured by two Chinese companies.

"We remain concerned that certain syringes manufactured in China may not provide consistent and adequate quality or performance," The FDA said in a statement on its website, adding that the evaluation is ongoing.

(Reporting by Sneha S K; Editing by Tasim Zahid and Varun H K)

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