Study shows UK recall rise

Manufacturing missteps are behind the near quadrupling of drug and medical device recalls in the UK between 2004 and 2008. A study by marketing concern Blueview Group shows that recalls and product alerts climbed to 94 from just 22, with nearly two-thirds attributed to manufacturing defects.

The study finds that 12 percent of pharma recalls stem from labeling and packaging problems, according to an online report, while nine percent are due to compromised sterility.

Another finding: food product recalls have remained more stable during the rapid rise of pharma and non-food consumer product recalls and safety alerts.

- here's the report