159 Indian drug samples fail quality tests in May 2026

A batch of medicines and healthcare products failed quality tests in May 2026. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) reported that 159 drug samples across India did not meet required standards. Several of these were identified by laboratories in Mumbai and other states. The Food and Drug Administration Laboratory (FDAL) in Mumbai found multiple products not of standard quality. These included a sunscreen lotion, facewash, anti-allergy syrup, Vitamin K injection, and an antibiotic combination tablet.

Skeenglow Facewash and UV ETO SPF 50+ Sunscreen Lotion failed microbial examination tests. Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride Syrup also did not meet the manufacturer’s specifications for microbial contamination. Phytomenadione Injection BP was rejected for failing the pH test prescribed under Indian Pharmacopoeia standards. Ofloxacin and Ornidazole Tablets were non-compliant with standards related to related substances.

Nationwide, 46 samples were flagged by Central Drugs Laboratories. Another 113 came from State Drugs Testing Laboratories. One sample from Assam was confirmed as spurious, produced by an unauthorised entity using another company’s brand name. The CDSCO’s findings highlight persistent quality control issues in India’s pharmaceutical sector. The failed products will face regulatory action. Authorities continue to monitor and test samples to ensure compliance with safety standards.