In a major regulatory action, Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) has ordered the immediate suspension of manufacturing and a nationwide recall of dozens of products from the popular household brand Ypê. The move comes after a comprehensive inspection at the company's factory in Amparo, São Paulo, uncovered significant lapses in its production processes.
The four-day inspection, which wrapped up on Thursday, involved a team of four officials from national, state, and municipal levels. Their findings led to the issuance of an official infraction notice, giving the company a 10-day window to file an appeal. According to the agency's resolution, the inspection revealed "relevant non-compliances in critical stages of the production process."
Specifically, Anvisa stated that failures were identified in the factory's quality assurance, production, and control systems. These shortcomings compromise the company's adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices and, critically, indicate a potential risk of contamination by microorganisms in the affected goods. The agency's action is a direct response to these findings to protect public health.
The recall casts a wide net, affecting a long list of Ypê's core products. Consumers are urged to check their homes for specific items from lots with numbers ending in 1. The list includes various formulations of Ypê dishwashing liquids, Tixan and Ypê laundry detergents, and several disinfectant products under the Bak and Atol brands.
For consumers who already possess these products, the guidance is clear: stop using them immediately. Anvisa recommends contacting Ypê's customer service department to arrange for the return of the affected items and to receive further instructions. The agency emphasizes that this measure is precautionary to eliminate any potential risk.
In response, Ypê has pushed back against the severity of the agency's decision. The company issued a statement asserting that it possesses robust scientific evidence, based on independent tests and technical reports, which certifies that its products are safe and pose no risk to consumers. Ypê expressed confidence that it can reverse the decision by presenting additional technical information.
The company also highlighted its ongoing and collaborative dialogue with Anvisa, reaffirming its commitment to quality, safety, and transparency. Ypê has made its customer service channels available for any consumer inquiries, providing an email address and a toll-free telephone number for support.
This incident marks a significant challenge for one of Brazil's most recognized household brands, as it works to address the regulatory agency's concerns and restore confidence in its product line. Based on reporting from g1.