Singapore News

Companies recall hot/cold packs found to contain toxic substance

SINGAPORE: Ten types of hot/cold packs sold in Singapore have been voluntarily recalled by their companies as the packs contain a toxic substance.

Laboratory tests revealed these packs contain the anti-freeze ingredient ethylene glycol, instead of the non-toxic substance propylene glycol.

The 10 affected packs are marketed under three brands - SURGIPACK, Soft R&R and OSIM.

The packs are Surgipack Soft Hot/Cold Pack Large, Surgipack Soft Hot/Cold Pack Small, Soft R&R Cold/Hot Pack-M, Soft R&R Cold/Hot Pack-L, OSIM uBaby Fever Band, OSIM Shoulder Pad, OSIM uKids Fever Band, OSIM Face Mask, OSIM Eye Mask and OSIM Hot/Cold Compress.

The packs can be frozen or heated up and are used as a compress to relieve headache, toothache, aching muscles and strains (sic).

While there have been no adverse reports from the use of these products locally, the Health Sciences Authority (HAS) says the recall is a precaution.

It was alerted to the danger following a case of accidental poisoning in Australia, where a young child had chewed through the plastic packaging and swallowed some ethylene glycol.

HSA says the affected products have been voluntarily withdrawn from sale since Thursday.

An estimated 2,000 pieces of the affected products have been sold in Singapore.

Consumers who have purchased these products are advised to stop using them immediately.

For more information, consumers can contact the respective companies:

Surgipack - Tyco Healthcare Pte Ltd, Tel: 6482-2098
Soft R&R - Assisted Living Pte Ltd, Tel: 6254-2916
Soft R&R - Lifeline Corporation Pte Ltd, Tel: 6289-2062
OSIM - OSIM International Ltd, Tel: 6741-1538