GlaxoSmithKline silences text rumours

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has moved to end rumours spread by text message that its product Panadol was unsafe.

Rumours arose in the Middle East by telephone text messages and on some news channels about the safety of a batch of Panadol Extra.

A GSK spokesman said: “GlaxoSmithKline manufactures and distributes Panadol under stringent safety and quality standards.

“After retesting by independent and GSK laboratories, the company has informed the governments of the Middle / Near East and the neighbouring region that the batch in question (050292) conforms to the established safety and purity requirements for paracetemol, as do all batches of Panadol products.”

The company is now to investigate the source of the text messages, but said it understands why people have forwarded them on.

The spokesman added: “GSK is aware that well-intentioned individuals are forwarding erroneous and unfounded text messages to mistakenly alert their friends and families.

“Unfortunately, whilst their intentions are not malicious, the facts being disseminated are false.”

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