Global Health Concerns Prompt Recall of Children’s Cough Syrup
In a recent development that has raised concerns across the globe, Nigeria’s health regulator took decisive action last Wednesday by recalling a batch of Benylin children’s cough syrup. The recall was initiated after routine testing revealed a high level of diethylene glycol, a toxic substance, in the product.
The recalled syrup, produced by Johnson and Johnson under the label JNJ.N, was manufactured in South Africa in May 2021. However, the brand is now under the ownership of Kenvue KVUE.N following a spin-off from J&J last year. In response to the incident, Kenvue has stated that it is conducting an assessment and collaborating with health authorities to address the situation.
Diethylene glycol poses a significant risk to human health, potentially causing acute kidney failure if consumed. This contaminant and a related toxin have been associated with over 300 fatalities among children in several countries since 2022. While there is no direct evidence linking these deaths to the current recall, the World Health Organization (WHO) is taking precautionary measures.
The WHO is preparing to issue a global medical product alert to heighten vigilance among national authorities. This move comes as part of the organization’s commitment to ensuring public safety and is contingent upon receiving specific details from involved parties.
Following Nigeria’s lead, five other African nations—Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and South Africa—have also removed the contaminated cough syrup from their markets. South Africa’s health regulator has gone further by recalling an additional batch of the syrup, which is commonly used to treat coughs and allergic reactions in children.
The WHO is actively working with both the manufacturer and South Africa’s regulatory authority to investigate the source of contamination in the Benylin paediatric syrup. Although the source of the raw ingredients used in production has not been disclosed, WHO indicates that Kenvue had previously tested these ingredients without identifying any concerns.
As part of its comprehensive investigation, the WHO is also exploring the possibility that the syrup could be counterfeit. This angle remains under consideration as authorities strive to ensure such incidents are prevented in the future.
With global medical product alerts likely on the horizon, the international community is reminded of the importance of stringent quality control measures in protecting public health, especially when it comes to medications for vulnerable populations like children.
