Nigeria's health regulatory authority, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has initiated a recall of a batch of Johnson & Johnson's children's cough syrup due to the presence of a dangerously high level of diethylene glycol, a potentially fatal toxic substance.
This decision comes after laboratory tests conducted on Benylin Paediatric revealed the alarming presence of diethylene glycol, which has been linked to numerous child deaths in several countries, including Gambia, Uzbekistan, and Cameroon since 2022.
The syrup, commonly used to alleviate cough, congestion, hay fever, and allergic reactions in children aged two to 12, poses severe health risks upon consumption. Symptoms of diethylene glycol poisoning include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and acute kidney injury, potentially leading to fatality.
NAFDAC emphasized the urgent need for discontinuation of the use or sale of the affected batch, manufactured in South Africa in May 2021, and set to expire in April 2024. Johnson & Johnson referred inquiries to Kenvue, the current owner of the Benylin brand, who did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The regulatory agency urged individuals in possession of bottles from the recalled batch to submit them to the nearest NAFDAC office to prevent further health risks.
