Reckitt applies for drug licence

<div class="section0"><div class="Normal"><span style="" font-size:="">MUMBAI: In a bid to comply with directives of the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration, Kolkata-based Reckitt and Benckiser has applied to it for a drug licence. Last month, the FDA had curtailed the sale of Reckitt and Benckiser''s disinfectant, Harpic.</span><br /><br /><span style="" font-size:="">An FDA official told ToI the Harpic disinfectant brand contained certain chemicals which brought it under the definition of drugs.According to the FDA, the company had violated Section 18C of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. The official said: "In their reply, Reckitt maintained that they have applied for a drug licence. Until they get one the company will not be allowed to sell its products." Despite repeated attempts, Reckitt and Benckiser officials could not be contacted for comments.</span><br /><br /><span style="" font-size:="">Officials said the company did not have a valid drug licence as required under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, for the sale of its disinfectant. They also said since the brand was widely known and available, it was a time-consuming process to initiate a ban. During a recent raid, FDA had seized Harpic stocks worth Rs 3.63 crore. FDA has also sent notices to the manufacturers of Sanifresh and Kiwi Kleen toilet cleaners.</span><br /></div> </div>