FDA · Life Science & Pharma: GxP - CSV & Data Integrity
FDA warning letter to BBC Group Limited (2021)
Warning letter CSV & Data Integrity · Enforcement Last verified: not yet
- Issued by
- FDA
- Category
- CSV & Data Integrity
- Sub Category
- Enforcement
- Legal weight
- Warning letter: a flag, not a rule
- Reuse
- Public domain
An FDA warning letter to one firm, whose laboratory system lacked restricted access and had audit trails switched off.
How to read this page
- The line under the title explains in plain words what this item is for. The coloured label beside its status gives its Category, its main subject, and Sub Category, the type of document, in the same colours as the maps.
- Status comes from the latest dated event below, and each event links to its source.
- Lifecycle shows the steps so far, then any expected target. Targets are not facts.
- In plain English is our own summary, not the official text. Where we have read the document in detail, a fuller profile follows, with its context, scope, contents and key points.
- Related shows links to other documents. Select Compare to see two side by side.
Lifecycle
Solid steps have happened. A dashed step is expected, and it is not a fact. Only dated steps in our record appear here.
- Warning letter issued
In plain English
The computerised system and software on a gas chromatograph lacked restricted access, and its audit trails were not enabled. No retrospective risk assessment was done.
Summary drafted with AI assistance. Not yet reviewed by the SME Reviewer. Read the official text before acting.
Context and history
FDA issued this warning letter to BBC Group Limited on 4 Aug 2021. It concerns finished drugs, and it is listed here because of what it says about computerised systems or data integrity. FDA warning letters are public, and this one names the firm. It concerns one firm at one point in time, and it says nothing about the firm today or about other firms.
Who and what it applies to
This one firm. It is a record of enforcement, not guidance for everyone.
What it contains
- Computer controls
- FDA cited failure to control computer systems so that only authorised people make changes.
- Laboratory controls
- Specifications, standards and test procedures were not adequate.
- Equipment
- Cleaning and maintenance were not adequate.
Key points
- Audit trails must be switched on, not only available.
- It binds one firm, and it shows how FDA applies existing rules.
In practice
General reading, not advice. This is drafted with AI and may not fit your situation. It does not replace the official text, your own quality system or qualified advice, and an inspector may take a different view.
- Check that audit trails are enabled on each instrument, not assumed.
Read from the source document on 2 Nov 2026. This is our own description, not the official text. Check the full dated history in the change log below.
Change log
Key dated events only, not a complete history. Status after is the status once that event happened. Event kinds explained
| Date | Event | Status after | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Aug 2021 | Warning letter issued | Warning letter | Source for Warning letter issued |
Official source
The official text always prevails over anything on this site.
FDA's list shows no close-out letter for this warning letter.
Source: FDA. Public domain.
Stay updated
Newsletter signup opens at launch.