There has been store spot checks carried out by The Health Products Regulatory Authority recently and issues have been discovered. Please take the time to read the below communication, and make sure that all staff are fully trained in the sale of medicinal products in your store.
From: The Health Products Regulatory Authority
The Health Products Regulatory Authority recently carried out market surveillance work in respect of the selling of paracetamol products at non-pharmacy retailers. As part of this exercise a store in Co. Meath (HPRA Case Reference Number PS-15-116) was visited and it was found that it was possible to purchase two packs of a paracetamol containing product as part of the same transaction. It was noted by the authorised officer who made the purchase that the sales assistant did not appear to be aware of the restrictions around the selling of paracetamol products and that no alert system was in place. The HPRA has contacted the affected retailer.
Furthermore, the HPRA also found that it was possible, at other non-pharmacy retailers that were visited, that where an alert was in place at the till, the sales assistant by-passed the regulatory requirement by processing the sale of two paracetamol containing products as two separate transactions. It should be noted that the selling of two paracetamol products as separate transactions is considered to be by-passing the regulatory requirements in this area.
It should be re-enforced that the selling of a second pack or additional packs of paracetamol via additional transactions is considered not compliant with the paracetamol regulations and effectively means that the regulation is being by-passed.
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