11/01/2026
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has issued a warning regarding products containing Zinc picolinate and/or Selenium intended for use in children under 18.
These ingredients are not permitted in health supplements for children under SAHPRA Guideline 7.04 due to identified safety concerns, including adverse effects and variability in absorption.
Products marketed as immune boosters for children containing these ingredients are considered medicines and require registration with SAHPRA. Such products do not qualify as Category D (complementary) medicines and must be registered as Category A medicines.
Health professionals and distributors are requested to cease distribution and remove affected products from shelves and storage facilities. Members of the public are urged to return these products to pharmacists or suppliers.
Any side effects should be reported via the Med Safety App to support pharmacovigilance efforts.
To learn more, don't miss the TV interview with our Chief Regulatory Officer, Tammy Gopal, on eNCAnews at 12:15, 11 January 2026.
