NAFDAC issues warning on substandard and contaminated syrups

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert (No. 037/2023) cautioning Nigerians about the circulation of five contaminated syrups across World Health Organisation (WHO) regions. The alert, signed by NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, specified WHO regions as America, Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, and Western Pacific.

The syrups identified as ALERGO Syrup, EMIDONE Suspension, MUCORID Syrup, ULCOFIN Suspension, and ZINCELL Syrup were reportedly detected in the Maldives and Pakistan. Some affected products were also found in Belize, Fiji, and Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

These syrups, totaling 23 batches, were traced back to PHARMIX LABORATORIES (PVT.) LTD (Pakistan). NAFDAC, as a precautionary measure, directed PHARMIX LABORATORIES to halt the production of all oral liquid dosage medicines. Additionally, a Recall Alert was issued for the five different oral dosage forms produced by the company.

Prof Adeyeye emphasized the toxicity of Diethylene Glycol and Ethylene Glycol, present in the contaminated syrups. Consumption of these substances can lead to severe consequences, including abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury, potentially resulting in death.

The Director-General warned that manufacturers of liquid dosage forms, particularly syrups containing excipients like glycol, sorbitol, and/or glycerin/glycerol, are susceptible to contamination with Ethylene Glycol/Diethylene Glycol (EG/DEG).