In the midst of China's vaccine scandal, a Chinese official has declared that the authorities have arrested 130 suspects and confiscated more than 20,000 expired and improperly stored vaccines.
It is the latest move of the government after a $90 million black market vaccine was exposed in the recent weeks. The investigators have brought 69 separate cases linking to the problematic vaccines. China's vaccine scandal has stirred debate and garnered censures among critics challenging the safety of the nation's food and drug supply. A joint task force comprising of the Public Security Ministry, Food and Drug Administration, and the National Health and Family Planning Commission was also created to trace distribution chains and examine vaccines, Yahoo reports.
"The initial investigation and evidence collection has already produced partial progress and a portion of the suspects have already been sent for indictment," the statement said.
According to the task force, the confiscated vaccines didn't have impurities and were made under proper procedures. The announcement was made in a press release to calm down citizens who fear that the vaccines could have brought diseases. The group also warned that expired and unsuitably stored vaccines must be discarded right away as they could bring adverse effects, according to Tucson. China's vaccine scandal follows the incident of fake infant formula that contains only starch and false vaccines that is composed only of saline solution.
"This vaccine safety case has drawn close attention, and shows there are many gaps in terms of regulation," Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said in a statement posted on the central government's website late on Tuesday. Critics claimed that China has been lax in formulating regulations that would govern the country's food and drug supply. As per Reuters the regulation has been controversial eversince because China has built the reputation for poor safety and quality.
China's vaccine scandal emerged after a woman identified as Pang and her daughter were arrested for selling suspected vaccines worth $100 million since 2011. The vaccines sold include the second category of voluntary immunizations for hepatitis B, rabies, and other diseases. Li has called for crackdown of all people involved in the latest drug scandal.
