Zimpapers Logo

Business Writer

COMESA Competition Commission (Commission) has alerted its member states of the recall of Benylin Paediatric Cough Syrup batch.

This follows detection  of high levels of Diethylene glycol following laboratory analysis.

Benylin Paediatric syrup is used for the relief of cough and its congestive symptoms and for the treatment of hay fever and other allergic conditions in children aged 2 to 12 years.

Diethylene glycol is toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal.

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, Comesa noted .

In a notice, Comesa said “The COMESA Competition Commission (the Commission) has become aware through the public notice dated 12 April 2024 from the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority and from a public alert dated 11 April 2024 from the Kenya Pharmacy and Poisons Board alerting the general public of the recall of Benylin Paediatric Cough Syrup Batch No. 329304.

“The product was first recalled by the Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in its press release dated 10 April 2024. “The above notices are calling upon health facilities, pharmacies and the general public to stop the distribution and use of the drug and return them to the suppliers.

“The Commission has established that the above product is exported to other COMESA Member States.

“ In this regard, pursuant to Article 30(1)(b) of the COMESA Competition Regulations, the Commission requests any person who establishes that the recalled tablets are being sold in other COMESA Member States, to avoid their purchase or use.”