Since June, the case of the defective respiratory apparatus of Philips has taken on a new dimension. A Parisian investigating judge investigates suspicion of aggravated deception linked to these devices intended to deal with sleep apnea. The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed that it has received 104 complaints from individuals. In addition, two associations and a report from the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) are also reported.
The recall of these machines, used by around 350,000 patients in France, dates from 2021. In question: a soundproofing foam which could deteriorate and release toxic particles. A foam causing irritation, headache and, according to the first fears, a risk of long -term cancer.
A criminal investigation for aggravated deception
The prosecution said that the judicial information opened on June 12 concerns several offenses:
- Deception on a dangerous goods for health;
- Non-declaration of serious incidents;
- And circulation of non -compliant medical devices.
This procedure follows the preliminary survey of the Central Office to Combat Environmental and Public Health damage (OCLAES).
In the hands of a judge, this file could lead to prosecution if serious clues are confirmed. Some complaints filed in France even target manslaughter.
Philips challenges and tries to reassure the victims
For his part, Philips insists that it is not a new investigation. Rather, the Dutch giant speaks of a follow -up to the investigations opened in 2023.
“”The current procedures, launched in 2023, relate to the alleged activities of Philips before and during the recall of 2021 “said a spokesperson quoted by Reuters. The group also specifies that the security of the devices currently marketed is not called into question.
Indeed, since last February, the ANSM authorized Philips to resume its sales, after it has replaced all the defective systems in France.
A global reminder to heavy consequences
The Philips affair has reached an unprecedented scale. In total, the recall concerned nearly 15 million aircraft around the world, including 1.5 million in Europe. The operation had also lasted several years, leaving thousands of patients pending a solution.
In the United States, the group agreed to pay $ 1.1 billion to end a series of disputes related to these machines. Without recognizing a fault, Philips explained that he wanted to turn the page and close part of the procedures that weakened his image.