The Irish Medicines Board (IMB) has welcomed a court ruling today against five retailers in Dublin's city centre which were found guilty of selling excess amounts of paracetemol over the counter.
The Dublin District Court ruled against the retailers, which include two Spar shops, a Centra, Londis and Tesco outlet, for selling more than one packet of paracetemol in one transaction.
All five retailers were found to be in breach of the Medicinal Products Regulations 2003 to 2005, which state that only one packet of paracetemol, containing a maximum of 12 x 500 mg of paracetemol, can be sold in a single transaction.
The charges were brought against the retailers following inspections by IMB enforcement officers. Each of the businesses was ordered to donate sums of money ranging from €1,000 to €1,200 to local hospitals.
Pat O' Mahoney, IMB chief executive said: "Today's ruling reinforces the IMB's commitment to the protection of public health. We hope that the Court's decision sends out a clear message that the IMB will take the necessary legal action to prevent risks to public health and breaches of medicines legislation."
"Today's cases act as a reminder to all those involved in retailing of their legal obligations to the safe supply and use of human medicinal products," he added.