S. Korea Finds New Talc Problem—Excessive Iron In Japanese Batch

Executive Summary

South Korean authorities say 24 tons of imported Japanese talc have been found to contain excessive amounts of iron. The Korea Testing and Research Institute for Chemical Industry said it measured iron at levels of 0.29 percent, above the 0.25 percent limit set by the Korea FDA. The shipment from Nippon Talc passed through customs April 1, two days before the agency revised iron-content rules along with an order removing asbestos-tainted talc from the market. Japanese talc usually is preferred by larger drug makers because it is believed to have a higher quality than Chinese talc. (Click here for more