FDA finds Indian company's eye drops that caused deaths violated safety norms
EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears, manufactured in India by Global Pharma, have been associated with a fatal outbreak of drug-resistant infections in the US
According to the top regulator in the US, the manufacturer of eye drops based in India, which has been linked to three deaths and severe infections, had breached multiple safety regulations.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted an inspection of Global Pharma's facility in Chennai, India, and released a report last week.
The company recalled the eye drops in February after a recommendation from the FDA. The FDA also banned the import of the product.
Two brands of eye drops – EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma's Artificial Tears, which were manufactured in India by Global Pharma and imported to the US, have been associated with a fatal outbreak of drug-resistant infections in the US.
In March, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US reported that 68 individuals across 16 states had been diagnosed with a rare type of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can lead to severe infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.
This drug-resistant strain had not been discovered in the US prior to the most recent epidemic.
As per the BBC report in March, besides the fatalities, eight patients experienced a loss of vision, while four had to undergo eye surgery to remove their eye.
In February, EzriCare Artificial Tears stated on its website that they had been contacting customers to discourage them from using the product, to the best of their abilities.
However, the company claimed to not be involved in the actual production of the eye drops, despite marketing them.
Initially, the recall was limited to EzriCare Artificial Tears Lubricant and Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears Lubricant eye drops, but it was subsequently expanded to include a Delsam Pharma eye ointment.
Additionally, according to the agency's report, during an 11-day inspection of the Global Pharma plant in India, which started on February 20, the FDA identified multiple infringements of sterilisation and hygiene protocols.
The sterile manufacturing environment had several items that were not adequately cleaned, including a bowl with a greasy deposit.
The FDA's report also stated that surfaces that came into touch with drug packaging were not appropriately cleaned, decontaminated, sanitised or sterilised.
The CDC also expressed concern that the bacteria associated with the contaminated eye drops could establish itself in the US healthcare system, a report in The New York Times on Monday (03) informed.
The CDC had previously advised individuals who had used the recalled products and were experiencing symptoms to consult a physician.
Symptoms included a discharge from the eye that was yellow, green, or clear, discomfort or pain, redness, blurry vision, and heightened sensitivity to light.
Sadiq Khan calls Diwali on the Square a “festival of unity” celebrating London’s diversity.
Thousands gathered at Trafalgar Square for music, dance, food and family-friendly activities.
Organised by Diwali in London Committee with Chinmaya Mission UK as chair.
Deputy High Commissioner Kartik Pande calls Diwali a symbol of India-UK friendship.
MAYOR of London Sadiq Khan described this year’s Diwali on the Square at Trafalgar Square as a festival of unity that brought hundreds of people together over the weekend.
The annual free event, themed “Educate, Illuminate, Celebrate”, drew long queues stretching for miles as crowds gathered for Indian music, dance performances, devotional bhajans, and street food stalls. The family-friendly activities included sari and turban tying, yoga and meditation sessions, henna art, puppet shows, and dance workshops.
“Those of you here are proud Londoners, proudly British, proudly English, but also proudly Hindu, Sikh and Jain; you can be a proud Londoner and celebrate Diwali,” Khan said, addressing the crowd.
“Yet there are people across our country and across the globe that try and divide communities, try and turn one against the other – turn Hindus against Sikhs, or Muslims against Jews, or Christians against Buddhists, you show our city at its very, very best. You show the importance of the teachings of Diwali… how light defeats darkness, good defeats evil,” he said.
Thank you to everyone who joined us to share in the spirit of Diwali on Trafalgar Square today and celebrate the triumph of light over darkness.
I wish a very happy Diwali to London’s Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities as they celebrate next week. pic.twitter.com/sollzFChF0 — Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) October 12, 2025
The Mayor said Diwali celebrations in the “most famous square in the world” represent why London is the “greatest city in the world”.
Diwali on the Square was organised in partnership with the volunteer-led Diwali in London (DiL) committee, supported this year by Chinmaya Mission UK as chair, along with partner organisations Remitly, Lidl, and Daawat.
“It has been a privilege to serve as part of the chair team in helping to coordinate this spectacular and popular annual event in the heart of London’s iconic square, which brings together a diverse range of organisations and communities in a spirit of unity,” said Dr Milen Shah of Chinmaya Mission UK.
“This enjoyable, educational, and wonderful event will shine a light on the deeper meaning and purpose of Diwali for all who attend,” he said.
The celebration opened with around 200 dancers from different parts of India performing in the centre of Trafalgar Square, followed by musical performances and dance-dramas depicting the story of Diwali and how it is celebrated across communities.
“At its core, Diwali is a joyful celebration of the universal values of harmony, strength in diversity and hope,” said Kartik Pande, Deputy High Commissioner of India to the UK.
“This festival also epitomises the energy, creativity and contribution of the Indian diaspora and community that has enriched the very fabric of the social life of this great city. It is also a vibrant symbol of the India-UK friendship, and the recently concluded successful visit of Prime Minister Starmer (to India) adds another element of bonhomie,” he said.
Starmer was in Mumbai last week for a two-day visit during which both countries agreed to give fresh momentum to the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and build on opportunities from the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) agreed in July.
“We are honoured to join London’s South Asian communities in marking this significant cultural tradition, one that continues to enrich the city’s diverse fabric while inspiring people worldwide,” said a spokesperson for international money transfer firm Remitly.
“As a company dedicated to fostering connection and care, we take pride in supporting this important festival and reinforcing our ongoing commitment to the communities we serve,” the spokesperson said.
“With cultural marquees and family-friendly activities throughout the square, there was something for everyone to enjoy,” added Sarita Menon from the Diwali in London Committee.
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