The National Agency for Food and Drug Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert regarding the recall of a single batch of Benylin Paediatric Syrup manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, due to concerns over toxicity levels found in the product.
A statement released by the agency on April 11 stated that laboratory analysis conducted on the product revealed the presence of an unacceptable high level of Diethylene Glycol, which was found to cause acute oral toxicity in laboratory animals.
Benylin Paediatric Syrup is typically used to relieve coughs and their associated symptoms, as well as for the treatment of hay fever and other allergic conditions in children aged 2 to 12 years.
The agency warned that Diethylene Glycol is toxic to humans if consumed and can prove fatal, with toxic effects including abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury that may lead to death.
NAFDAC urged importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of substandard (contaminated) regulated products.
Healthcare professionals and consumers were also advised to report any suspicion of substandard and falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office, call 0800-162-3322, or send an email to sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
