WHO warns of unsafe syrup in Cameroon, says it may get to neighbouring countries

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued an alert against a batch of contaminated cough syrup identified in Cameroon.

In a statement on Wednesday, the global health body said samples of the syrup, “Naturcold”, were made available to WHO on June 27 and analysed in a contracted and prequalified laboratory.

The WHO said analysis found that the product contained unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol as contaminants.

Diethylene glycol is a colourless, odourless, clear liquid with a sweet taste. It is used as a cheaper alternative to glycerin in cough syrups.

The agency said while the acceptable limit for diethylene glycol is no more than 0.10 percent, the chemical was detected in samples of the product “as much as 28.6 percent”.

“The stated manufacturer of the affected product is listed on the product packaging as Fraken International (England). The United Kingdom national regulatory authority, the MHRA, has confirmed that no such company exists in the UK,” the statement reads.

“Diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol are toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal.

“Enquires are still underway to determine the origin of the product. Therefore, the stated manufacturer has not provided guarantees to WHO on the safety and quality of these products.

“The product referenced in this Alert may have marketing authorizations in other countries or regions. It may also have been distributed through informal markets to neighboring countries.

“The substandard products referenced in this Alert are unsafe and their use, especially in children, may result in serious injury or death.

“Toxic effects can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state and acute kidney injury which may lead to death.

“If you have the affected product, WHO recommends that you do not use it.

“If you, or someone you know, has or may have used the affected product, or suffered an adverse reaction or unexpected side-effect after use, you are advised to seek immediate medical advice from a healthcare professional.

“WHO requests increased surveillance and diligence within the supply chains of countries and regions likely to be affected by these products.

“Increased surveillance of the informal/unregulated market is also advised.”

In April, the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) warned Nigerians against use of the cough syrup, after it was believed to have caused the deaths of six children under the age of five, at a health facility in Cameroon.