Why Did CDSCO Flag 167 Drug Samples as ‘Not of Standard Quality’ in December?
Synopsis
The CDSCO has flagged 167 drug samples as 'not of standard quality' in December, prompting an urgent response from regulatory authorities. This alarming revelation highlights potential issues in drug safety and the importance of stringent quality control in pharmaceuticals.
Key Takeaways
**167 drug samples** flagged as NSQ in December. **Central Drugs Laboratories** identified 74 samples, while **State Laboratories** identified 93 samples as NSQ.
Ongoing surveillance ensures drug safety and quality.
Spurious drugs from unauthorized manufacturers are under investigation.
Regular updates on NSQ drugs are available on the CDSCO portal.
New Delhi, Jan 21 (NationPress) The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) announced on Wednesday that 167 drug samples assessed by both Central and state regulatory authorities were categorized as ‘not of standard quality (NSQ)' in the monthly drug alert for December.
Out of these, the Central Drugs Laboratories found 74 drug samples to be NSQ, while State Drugs Testing Laboratories identified 93 drug samples as NSQ.
This classification of NSQ and spurious drugs is routinely updated and displayed on the CDSCO portal each month as part of ongoing regulatory surveillance.
The alert detailed that, “In December 2025, Central Drugs Laboratories identified 74 drug samples as Not of Standard Quality (NSQ), and the State Drugs Testing Laboratories identified 93 drug samples as NSQ.”
Drug samples are labeled as NSQ when they fail to meet one or more specified quality parameters during testing conducted by government laboratories. Importantly, this failure relates only to the specific batch tested and does not imply that other drug products on the market are affected.
Moreover, in December, it was noted that “four drug samples from North Zone, Ghaziabad, one from FDA Ahmedabad, one from Bihar, and another from Maharashtra were identified as spurious drugs.”
These drugs were produced by unauthorized manufacturers utilizing brand names belonging to other companies, and the matter is currently under investigation with actions forthcoming as per the relevant Acts and Rules.
The ongoing identification of NSQ and spurious medications is a collaborative effort with state regulators, ensuring that such drugs are recognized and removed from the market. This illustrates a proactive, robust, and responsive regulatory framework in the nation.
In total, the CDSCO reported 205 drug samples tested by Central and state regulatory authorities as ‘Not of Standard Quality (NSQ)' in December.
The Central Drugs Laboratories identified 64 drug samples as NSQ, while State Drugs Testing Laboratories reported 141 drug samples as NSQ.
Point of View
It's crucial to emphasize that the identification of **167 drug samples** as 'not of standard quality' by the CDSCO signifies a serious commitment to public health and safety. This proactive approach allows us to trust in the regulatory systems that protect consumers from potential health risks. The ongoing collaboration with state regulators showcases a strong national framework aimed at maintaining drug quality.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What does NSQ stand for?
NSQ stands for 'Not of Standard Quality', indicating that the drug samples do not meet the required quality standards.
How many drug samples were flagged in December?
A total of **167 drug samples** were flagged as 'not of standard quality' in December.
What actions are taken against spurious drugs?
Spurious drugs are subject to investigation, and actions will be taken against unauthorized manufacturers as per applicable laws.
Where can I find the list of NSQ drugs?
The list of NSQ and spurious drugs is regularly updated on the CDSCO portal and can be accessed by the public.
Are all drugs on the market affected?
No, the classification of NSQ relates only to specific batches tested and does not imply that all drugs available in the market are compromised.
