Japanese Suppliers To Recall Face Masks
Two suppliers of cloth masks being sent by the Japanese government to all households say they will recall undistributed items.
Pharmaceutical maker Kowa and trading house Itochu made the announcement following complaints about masks that have already been sent. Many recipients say the masks were stained or contaminated with human hair and dust.
The government commissioned the two companies, along with others, to supply the masks as part of a program to give two masks to every household.
The masks sent out by Kowa and Itochu were made overseas.
The two firms say they will improve quality control through extra inspections on imported masks, in addition to screenings at plants abroad.
Kowa says it takes the situation seriously, and will recall all undistributed masks for re-inspection.
Itochu says it will fully cooperate with efforts to halt the spread of infections.
