SAHPRA recalls Citro-Soda regular batches due to contamination risk at Johannesburg facility

SOUTH AFRICA—The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has recalled specific batches of Citro-Soda Regular after inspectors found serious contamination risks at the Adcock Ingram manufacturing facility in Clayville, Johannesburg.

Citro-Soda Regular is an effervescent, lemon-flavored granule used to treat digestive issues like heartburn and indigestion, and to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) by alkalizing urine

The recall covers Citro-Soda Regular in 60g, 120g, and 4g sachet sizes — specifically batches whose numbers begin with the letter “C.”

Products made at other Adcock Ingram facilities, including those manufactured in India, are not affected.

What triggered the recall?

The recall followed an inspection prompted by a whistleblower report that revealed significant non-compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards at the Clayville plant.

SAHPRA’s inspectorate and regulatory compliance head, Lebohang Mazibuko, confirmed that inspectors found metal fragments from manufacturing vessels and unidentified black particles on production equipment.

They also identified inadequate cleaning procedures, damaged and rusted machinery, and the absence of proper air-handling systems designed to prevent contamination.

SAHPRA CEO Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela confirmed the recall during a media briefing in Pretoria, stressing that the regulator will act decisively whenever the quality, safety, or effectiveness of a health product is at risk.

What consumers should do

Retail pharmacies, wholesalers, hospitals, clinics, and distribution centres have been instructed to stop selling the affected batches immediately and return all stock to their suppliers.

Consumers who have already purchased the affected products can return them to the nearest pharmacy, health facility, or retail store or contact Adcock Ingram directly.

Regulatory compliance manager Mokgadi Daphney Fafudi clarified that this action is a targeted batch recall, not a full product withdrawal.

Only Citro-Soda Regular batches with numbers starting with “C” — as listed in the official recall notice—are affected.

Consumers are therefore urged to check batch numbers carefully before purchasing any Citro-Soda Regular product.

Anyone who has consumed the affected product and is experiencing adverse side effects should visit the nearest health facility and report the incident to SAHPRA.

Ongoing monitoring

SAHPRA will monitor the recall until every affected batch has been collected and destroyed.

The regulator will also maintain oversight of the Clayville facility until Adcock Ingram has fully implemented all required corrective and preventative measures.

SAHPRA further encouraged the public to report any quality defects they notice with any health product available in South Africa.