Doha: Ministry of Public Health recalled seven pharmaceutical products that contain ingredient valsartan, manufactured by Chinese company Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical L T, on the suspicion of containing a carcinogenic flaw.

The Pharmacy and Drug Control department at the ministry said it received memos from international organizations on the possibility of a carcinogenic flaw called n-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in the active substance (Valsartan) manufactured by the company.

The ministry said it withdrew all the pharmaceutical products that contain the active substance, once it received the memo.

The list of recalled products includes Cinfaval and Co-cinfaval manufactured by Spanish Cinfa Laboratories, as well as Diostar and Diostar plus manufactured by Jordan’s Pharma International Co. In addition to Anginet and Co-Anginet produced by the Jordanian United Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Co and Valzaar manufactured by the Indian Torrent Pharmaceuticals.

The ministry revealed that other products that contain the active substance Valsartan manufactured by other companies are safe and are not included in the withdrawal process.

Pharmacy and Drug Control department confirmed its keenness for the health and safety of all citizens and residents. It added that it is taking all preventative procedures to stop the circulation of any pharmaceutical product that does not meet the international standards. The department added that it is in continuous contact with World Health Organization, institutions and other health organization for medicines and pharmaceuticals.