Medicines; Retail Monitoring

The following establishments are of particular interest for inspection: drugstores, health food stores, specialty medical retailers, department stores, grocery stores, organic food stores, sex shops, and fitness and bodybuilding centers.

During on-site inspections of business premises, particular attention is paid to the hygienic condition of operational and business premises, facilities and their surroundings, means of transport, and storage facilities.

Care is taken to ensure that the range of medicinal products consists exclusively of preparations that are available over the counter in accordance with the Medicines Act or the Ordinance on Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medicines.

The sale of over-the-counter medicines requires the business owner or a person authorized by the owner to manage the business or handle sales to possess the necessary expertise. This expertise must generally be demonstrated by passing an examination administered by the relevant Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Certain other examinations and certifications (e.g., pharmaceutical-commercial clerk, pharmaceutical-technical assistant) are also recognized as proof of expertise. It is determined whether a qualified person is present.

Furthermore, the drugs are inspected for proper storage and for quality defects (defects detectable by the senses, labeling defects, expiration date).

When dispensing medicines in the itinerant trade, it is verified that only finished pharmaceutical products approved for the itinerant trade are dispensed. In addition, it is verified that the medicinal products are stored properly and are protected from light, temperature, weather conditions, and contamination during transport and distribution.