Kenya has issued a recall for a specific batch of Johnson & Johnson children’s cough syrup on Thursday, citing concerns over elevated levels of diethylene glycol, a potentially harmful substance.
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) of Kenya released a statement outlining the toxic effects associated with diethylene glycol, including abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury, which could result in fatalities.
The health regulator stated, “This cough syrup manufactured by Johnson & Johnson (Pty), South Africa, is being recalled due to quality concerns arising from an unacceptable high level of diethylene glycol detected through laboratory analysis.”
The PPB has launched investigations and initiated a rapid response, including sampling batches of Benylin Pediatric 100ml syrup within the shelf life to assess the levels of ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol.
Additionally, Benylin Pediatric was recalled on Wednesday by Nigerian health regulators following reports of numerous children’s deaths in Gambia and Cameroon.
In response to the situation, the PPB has advised all pharmaceutical outlets, healthcare facilities, healthcare workers, and members of the public to immediately quarantine the product and cease its distribution, sale, issuance, or use.
The recall underscores the importance of stringent quality control measures in pharmaceutical products to ensure public safety.
Authorities are urging vigilance and prompt action to prevent any potential harm caused by the consumption of the affected cough syrup.
Further updates on the investigation and any additional measures will be provided as the situation develops.
