Shoddy Chinese Syringes Sees BD Ramp-up Production
Becton Dickinson has increased production of medical syringes in the US after the country's drug regulator recommended not using China-made syringes.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first raised concerns about China-made syringes in November 2023, following reports of leaks, breakages and other quality problems with plastic syringes manufactured in China.
US-based medical equipment maker Becton Dickinson – one of the world's largest suppliers of syringes – said it has increased manufacturing in its Nebraska and Connecticut facilities.
The FDA has now advised US suppliers, consumers and healthcare organisations to “transition away” from using plastic syringes manufactured by two Chinese companies.
An FDA spokesperson said: “We remain concerned that certain syringes manufactured in China may not provide consistent and adequate quality or performance.”
It added that the supply and manufacturing capacity of plastic syringes made in countries other than China “is adequate to support current healthcare demand, and that it does not expect a shift in the supply chain of syringes “is likely to lead to a shortage of these products".
Eric Borin, President of Becton Dickinson Medication Delivery Solutions, said: “We have the capacity to support additional syringe demand and are further increasing US production to help ensure continuity of patient care. Ensuring the safety and quality of our products is the top priority.”
During the Covid-19 pandemic the company manufactured 2 billion additional syringes and needles to support the global response.
About Becton Dickinson
Becton Dickinson is one of the world’s largest global medical technology companies. The company says it “supports the heroes on the frontlines of healthcare”, by developing innovative technology, services and solutions to advance clinical therapy for patients and clinical process for healthcare providers.
It employs 70,000 people, whose work, it says, “enables laboratory scientists to accurately detect disease and advance researchers' capabilities to develop the next generation of diagnostics and therapeutics”.