Democrats Demand Howard Apologise for Pan Pharmaceuticals Witch Hunt
The Howard Government must now apologise following the acquittal of Pan Pharmaceuticals boss Jim Selim in the New South Wales Supreme Court. The pharmaceuticals giant was forced into administration in May 2003 following the largest pharmaceutical recall in Australias history.
It was a pointless exercise targeting complementary medicines and it sent hundreds of small businesses broke, Democrats leader and Health spokesperson Senator Allison said today. The Howard Government turned its back on the mess and just walked away.
1500 products were recalled, not because they caused adverse reactions, but because of speculation about inconsistent quality. Senator Allison raised concerns in the Senate at that time about what was playing out as a destructive over-reaction.
Mr.Selim was accused of a litany of charges, including breaching his manufacturing licence. In the end only two counts made it to court which were thrown out today.
The unprecedented recall had a devastating effect on small businesses and shook public confidence in complementary health, Senator Allison said. The very least those who have suffered deserve is an apology.
