Hong Kong has ordered GlaxoSmithKline(GSK) to recall an pediatric antibiotic manufactured in France over the presence of a plasticizer in the product, raising safety and quality concerns.       

The Department of Health said in a statement that diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP) was detected in GSK's Augmentin powder for syrup 156mg/5ml, a product for children.  A government laboratory test detected the presence of DIDP was two times higher than Europe's specific migration limit for food contact materials.

DIDP's safety for human consumption was not well established, but data from animal studies suggested long-term consumption of high levels of DIDP may affect the liver, the government said.      

The government said it had stepped up surveillance of pharmaceutical products containing flavoring agents after  Chinese media reports that Chinese importers had recalled bottled beverages from Taiwan that were suspected of being contaminated with a cancer-causing plastic additive.