Chronicle Editor
Thandeka Moyo-Ndlovu, [email protected]
THE Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has recalled Benylin Paediatric 100ml Syrup under batch number 329304, which was manufactured by Johnson and Johnson, South Africa, following reports that the product may contain dangerous substances.
According to a critical communication received from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (Nafdac) of Nigeria, recent laboratory analysis has revealed unacceptably high levels of Diethylene glycol in this formulation.
Diethylene glycol is a contaminant, which is toxic for humans when consumed. Toxic effects can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state and acute kidney injury, potentially leading to death.
In a statement, MCAZ director Mr Richard Rukwata said the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) and the manufacturer identified an additional batch that is affected, bringing the affected batches to two; 329303 and 329304.
“While the MCAZ confirms that this product was registered in 2023 for use in Zimbabwe, our import database does not show a record of the importation of this product and more specifically these two batches.
“However, there is a concern that through illegal means, the aforementioned batches of Benylin Paediatric syrup may find their way into the local market. As a precautionary measure, the Authority is issuing a recall notice of this product,” he said.
“In the unlikely event that members of the public have and/or come across this product, please notify the Authority and/or healthcare provider immediately and desist from administering them to children. The cooperation of all stakeholders is essential in ensuring the right of citizens to safe and good quality medicines is protected.”
Mr Rukwata said the MCAZ will intensify its market surveillance activities through strict premises inspections and public awareness, to ensure that these products are not circulated.
“The mandate of the MCAZ is to protect public health, by ensuring that all medicines and medical devices on the market are safe, effective and of good quality and will continue to monitor the situation in line with the WHO guidelines,” he said.
“The authority also urges members of the public to access medicines from licensed persons and premises for easier monitoring. The Authority and law enforcement agencies continue to work together to eradicate any substandard and falsified health products.”
MCAZ is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament that is responsible for protecting public and animal health, by ensuring that accessible medicines and allied substances and medical devices are safe, effective and of good quality through enforcement and adherence to standards by manufacturers and distributors.
The mandate of MCAZ is to protect public health, ensuring that medicines and medical devices on the market are safe, effective and of good quality.
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