Unreadable Expiry Dates, Generic Mix-Ups: Govt Panel Proposes Forming Sub-Committee on Medicine Labelling
New Delhi: In a move responding directly to widespread consumer grievances, the Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC), a statutory body under the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has recommended the formation of a dedicated sub-committee to examine and address persistent issues related to the labelling and packaging of medicinal products in India.
This recommendation was made during the 66th meeting of the DCC, held in hybrid mode on June 17, 2025, at the CDSCO Headquarters, FDA Bhawan, New Delhi.
According to the official minutes of the meeting, the committee was informed that “various concerns have been received from the consumers in their Public Grievances from time to time w.r.t. the labelling of medicinal products.” These complaints, received through multiple public feedback mechanisms, highlight systemic problems in packaging that directly affect medicine accessibility, patient safety, and consumer understanding.
The DCC listed several specific issues raised by consumers:
“The paper where expiry date is mentioned is torn while taking out the medicine.”
“The surface of the medicine strip is too shiny to read the details.”
“The letters of expiry date are too small.”
“The name of the medicine should be printed on continuous basis instead of at one place only.”
“There should be universally recognised symbol on the generic medicines that will distinguish it from the branded medicines.”
Taking note of these repeated and practical concerns, the committee deliberated at length and concluded that a more systemic and technical evaluation was necessary. As a result, the DCC “recommended that the DCGI may constitute a sub-committee to look into the matter of packaging issue in detail and submit its report.”
Importantly, the DCC also advised that this new sub-committee should include one packaging expert, ensuring that technical aspects of label printing, material quality, and patient usability are adequately addressed. Furthermore, the committee suggested that the sub-panel “shall also evaluate the feasibility of incorporating suitable regulation for suppliers of packaging materials/ printed foils, etc. under Drugs Rules, 1945.”
The meeting was chaired by Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, Drugs Controller General (India), who in his inaugural remarks “highlighted the need for strengthening of Drug Regulatory System throughout the country and appreciated the support extended by all the States.”
This renewed regulatory focus on drug packaging comes amid growing concerns over medicine misuse, incorrect dosage due to unreadable expiry dates, and the broader need for distinguishing between generic and branded formulations.
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