The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised an alarm regarding five syrups containing hazardous chemicals.
Manufactured by Pharmix Laboratories Limited in Pakistan, the identified syrups—Alergo, Emidone, Mucorid, Ulcofin, and Zincell—have been found to be contaminated with ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol, both harmful to human health.
NAFDAC Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, revealed that the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) detected the contamination in November 2023.
Subsequent confirmation by the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia (TGA) prompted a global alert. Belize, Fiji, and Lao People’s Democratic Republic have also reported the presence of these syrups.
The alert disclosed, “Laboratory testing by the TGA confirmed contamination levels ranging from 0.62 to 0.82% w/w relative to the accepted limit of not more than 0.10% w/w.”
Pharmix Laboratories (PVT.) LTD, the manufacturer, faced scrutiny from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), revealing potential contamination in other products and batches.
DRAP directed Pharmix to halt oral liquid dosage medicines production and issued a recall alert for the affected syrups.
Diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, present in these syrups, can be fatal if consumed. Symptoms of toxicity include abdominal pain, vomiting, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury.
NAFDAC cautioned against using the substandard products, particularly in children, urging stakeholders to exercise caution within the supply chain and report any sightings to the nearest NAFDAC office.
Importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers are advised to refrain from importing, distributing, selling, or using the contaminated cough syrups.
NAFDAC encourages those possessing the listed products to submit them to the nearest office and seek immediate medical advice if adverse reactions occur after use.
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