The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has recalled Panadol (Paracetamol) 500 mg by a Sri Lankan company due to poor quality.

The MFDA has issued an alert today saying that it has developed a post-market surveillance test plan to ensure the quality of imported drugs.

Among the samples taken from the market, Panadol 500 mg manufactured by a Sri Lankan company was tested and some of the pills were found to have defects including chipping and cracking.

The MFDA said that the quality of drugs usually deteriorates due to failure to meet the required standards in the manufacture or safety of drugs. Using a drug with such a problem is more likely to not provide the benefits or "effect" of the drug.

The authority has asked pharmacies and public shops not to sell the drug until further notice. The drug has been banned from being imported into the Maldives until the investigation is completed.

The MFDA has also asked pharmacies, drug stores, and general shops to keep the stocks of the drug at the prescribed temperature.