French prosecutors have stepped up their investigation into Royal Philips NV over concerns that some of the company’s breathing devices might have put people’s health at risk. The case has been handed to a magistrate with special powers to take a closer look.
The move, made in June but announced recently, focuses on possible fraud linked to products that could harm humans or animals. This comes after Philips recalled certain CPAP, BiPAP, and mechanical ventilator machines in 2021 because the foam inside them was breaking down. That foam had the potential to cause cancer and breathing problems.
Philips’ shares dropped nearly 5% in Amsterdam before recovering some losses. The company has been trying to move past this recall, which forced it to halt sales of sleep apnea machines and ventilators in the US last year following an agreement with the Food and Drug Administration.
A Philips spokesperson said this isn’t a new probe, emphasizing that the investigation doesn’t question the safety or quality of devices the company currently sells in France.
So far, French health authorities have received 104 complaints from individuals about the devices, along with additional complaints from two patient groups. The investigation continues as authorities work to piece together what happened and what risks patients might have faced.