Pharmacy Linked to Meningitis Outbreak Passed 2011 Inspection

The Massachusetts pharmacy linked to a meningitis outbreak that has claimed 23 lives around the country was cleared by state regulators following an inspection last year.

The May 24, 2011, inspection wasn't the result of any complaint against New England Compounding Center. It was required because the company was planning to update its facilities and move into new space within its facility in Framingham.

The inspection was performed before the move to the new space.

The inspection report, released to The Associated Press following a public records request, shows the company received a satisfactory grade. The inspector, William Frisch, toured the facility and reviewed security, controlled substance management, sterile and non-sterile processing areas and refrigeration.

The outbreak tied to contaminated steroid shots has sickened nearly 300 people.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press