WHO To Escalate Warning On Contaminated Children’s Cough Syrup In Nigeria

Following the deaths of over 300 children across Cameroon, Gambia, Indonesia, and Uzbekistan since 2022 due to contaminated cough syrups, the World Health Organization (WHO) is poised to escalate its warning concerning contaminated children’s cough syrup manufactured by Johnson & Johnson (JNJ.N).

It would be recalled that the contaminated cough syrups were discovered in Nigeria two weeks ago.

The Nigerian regulatory agency, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) initiated a recall of a batch of Benylin Paediatric syrup after routine testing revealed elevated levels of diethylene glycol, a contaminant.

Although diethylene glycol and its counterpart, ethylene glycol, have been associated with the deaths of over 300 children across Cameroon, Gambia, Indonesia, and Uzbekistan since 2022, there is currently no evidence linking these incidents to the recent recalls.

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The WHO, known for issuing global medical product alerts to prompt vigilance among national authorities, is expected to take similar action pending confirmation of specific details from involved parties.

The batch of Benylin syrup under recall was produced by Johnson & Johnson in South Africa in May 2021.

However, following a spin-off from J&J last year, the brand is now owned by Kenvue (KVUE.N).

Kenvue, in response to inquiries, stated that it had conducted tests on the recalled batch and had not detected either diethylene or ethylene glycol.

In a statement, Kenvue emphasized its cooperation with health authorities and the WHO, expressing willingness to collaborate with Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to verify test results and ensure product