FEDERAL AGENTS RAID AMBIX LABS

US Federal marshals have raided Ambix Laboratories of New Jersey, USA, and a civil complaint has been filed against the company, alleging that its sloppy practices are a threat to the public's health.

The government has asked for an immediate injunction to shut down the company, which makes prescription and over-the-counter creams, gels and liquids, including a hydrocortisone cream that allegedly tested positive for Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

There have as yet been no reports of illness or injury relating to use of these products, according to the US Food and Drug Administration, but while a recall of the hydrocortisone product has not been ordered, this is not ruled out. In the complaint, Ambix is charged with repeatedly ignoring FDA warnings, the first of which came in 1976 and was followed by a further 14. Laboratory equipment has been found to be poorly maintained, tampering of company records is suspected and conditions at the manufacturing plant are unsatisfactory, according to the complaint.