French prosecutors stepped up an investigation into Royal Philips NV for potentially causing danger to human health with breathing devices, tasking a magistrate with deeper probing powers to lead the case.
Paris prosecutors said on Monday that the decision to pass on the case to an investigative magistrate was made in June. The investigation will look into possible fraud concerning goods that result in danger to human or animal health.
Philips shares fell as much as 4.8% in Amsterdam before paring back losses.
The proceedings are the latest in a long-running saga for Philips’ respirators and relate to CPAP, BiPAP and mechanical ventilator devices recalled by the company in 2021. Disintegrating foam in some devices posed risks of cancer and respiratory issues.
The manufacturer has struggled to draw a line under that recall. It was ordered to suspend sales of sleep apnea devices and ventilators in the US last year after reaching an agreement with the Food and Drug Administration.
A spokesperson for Philips said this is not a new investigation.
“The proceeding does not make allegations about the quality and safety of products currently marketed in France by Philips,” the spokesperson said in an emailed statement.
To date, the French Public Health Department has received 104 complaints from individuals, the prosecutor’s office said in an emailed statement. It has also received complaints from two patients’ organizations.
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