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Class 3 Medicines Recall - Stock Check Required Aspar Pharmaceuticals Ltd has issued a Class 3 recall of specific batches of Ibuprofen 200mg Tablets and Ibucalm 200mg Tablets (EL(26)A/07) distributed under the Aspar, Almus and Numark brand names. The reason is foil perforations identified in some blister packs. Source: MHRA via GOV.UK, published 4 February 2026.

What Has Been Recalled and Why

Aspar Pharmaceuticals Ltd has initiated a Class 3 recall of specific batches of Ibuprofen 200mg Tablets distributed under three brand names: Aspar, Almus, and Numark. The product is also sold as Ibucalm 200mg Tablets. The recall reference is EL(26)A/07.

The reason for the recall is the identification of foil perforations in some blister packs within the affected batches. A foil perforation in a blister pack means that the protective seal around an individual tablet has been compromised. This is a packaging quality defect rather than a problem with the medicine itself. However, a compromised blister seal can allow moisture or air ingress that may affect the stability and integrity of the tablet over time.

Three brand names are affected because Aspar Pharmaceuticals manufactures ibuprofen 200mg tablets and distributes them under its own brand as well as under the Almus and Numark private labels. The recall therefore has a wide footprint across pharmacy and retail channels.

FieldDetail
ProductIbuprofen 200mg Tablets / Ibucalm 200mg Tablets
ManufacturerAspar Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Brands AffectedAspar, Almus, Numark
Recall ClassClass 3
Recall ReferenceEL(26)A/07
ReasonFoil perforations found in some blister packs
Date Issued4 February 2026
MHRA Contactinfo@mhra.gov.uk

Why a Packaging Recall Still Matters

A Class 3 recall indicates that the product is unlikely to cause adverse health consequences. For ibuprofen 200mg tablets with a packaging defect, the direct patient risk is low: ibuprofen is a chemically stable molecule and a single blister perforation is unlikely to render a tablet harmful. However, the MHRA requires that products with batch-level packaging defects are removed from supply. This ensures that quality standards are maintained across the licensed medicines supply chain and that patients can rely on the integrity of the products they receive.

From a supply chain perspective, a recall of ibuprofen 200mg tablets across three brand names simultaneously means that a notable volume of a high-use OTC product is being removed from the market. While ibuprofen is widely manufactured by many suppliers, procurement teams should be aware of this batch-level reduction in available stock when planning orders.

Steps for Pharmacy and Wholesale Teams

  1. Check your stock against the recalled batch numbers specified in the EL(26)A/07 notice from Aspar Pharmaceuticals. The notice will detail which specific batch numbers across the Aspar, Almus, and Numark brands are affected.
  2. Quarantine affected batches and remove from sale or dispensing.
  3. Follow Aspar's return instructions for credits and logistics.
  4. Ensure replacement stock is ordered from unaffected batches or alternative suppliers if your stock position has been materially reduced by the recall.

Euro Biom supports wholesale and institutional supply of pharmaceutical products. For pharmaceutical procurement enquiries, contact work@eurobiom.co.uk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which brands are affected by the ibuprofen recall EL(26)A/07?
The recall covers ibuprofen 200mg tablets distributed under the Aspar, Almus, and Numark brand names, as well as Ibucalm 200mg tablets. All are manufactured by Aspar Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Check the specific batch numbers against the EL(26)A/07 recall notice.
What is a Class 3 medicines recall?
A Class 3 recall is the least severe MHRA recall category. It is used when a product is unlikely to cause adverse health consequences but is being recalled for quality or regulatory reasons, such as a packaging defect. Affected stock must still be removed from use and returned to the manufacturer.
Why are foil perforations in blister packs a problem?
Blister foil provides a moisture and oxygen barrier protecting the tablet. A perforation breaks this seal, potentially allowing moisture ingress that could affect tablet stability. While the risk to individual patients is low, a quality defect of this nature does not meet the standards required for a licensed medicine.

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