Preventing Medical Cannabis Recalls
According to reports from Canada & the US, pathogen contamination is the second most frequent reason for cannabis product recalls, with fungi, mould and bacteria found on the cannabis flower being common culprits. Chemical contaminants like fungicides and pesticides are also frequently responsible. Mandatory cannabis recalls of flower contamination with Aspergillus, a fungal pathogen, is becoming increasingly common, the largest cannabis recall in Michigan’s history is an example of this.
As medical cannabis sales grow in New Zealand, so do recall risks, which creates a need for HACCP plans to include disposable gloves.
Disposable Glove Risks the Cause of Recalls
Eagle Protect’s recent research has highlighted the risk of disposable gloves to the cannabis industry. Results revealed fecal indicators on 50% of new, unused gloves. Potentially harmful yeast species, and distinct genera of fungi including Penicillium, Cladosporium and Aspergillus were also found – all capable of causing cross-contamination in cannabis-related supply chains.
Additionally, contaminated single-use gloves were found to be responsible for a recall of products from a pesticide free cannabis producer and processor in the US. O-Phenylphenol (OPP), a chemical known to cause cancer, was found in the “food-safe” gloves they were using to handle their crop.
Significant manufacturing and regulatory factors have contributed to documented cases of glove contamination including inadequate process controls, putrid water quality, poor regulatory standards and lax oversight and enforcement.
The FDA has also identified inadequate glove manufacturing process controls leading to gloves contaminated with Aspergillus sp. and Fusarium sp. The gloves were subsequently recalled from the market. Investigations have also shown that damp boxed gloves can become contaminated with Aspergillus species.
Ensuring Contamination Free Gloves
Our Eagle Standard ensures our gloves meet consistent premium quality specification, safeguarding our partner’s businesses by protecting staff, products and brand reputation.
Included in this is Delta Zero™, Eagle’s proprietary third-party laboratory testing which further ensures the consistent quality and safety of Eagle gloves’ raw materials, and the absence of unsafe chemicals, toxins and microbial contaminants. You have confidence in the consistent highest quality and performance of Eagle’s gloves, mitigating the risks of glove contamination and key to optimal working conditions. Testing is currently undertaken in the US, and is in the process of being rolled out to a range of Eagle gloves in New Zealand.
