No traces of diethylene glycol found in Benylin Paediatric syrup  

Supplied

On 13 April 2024, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) initiated a precautionary recall of two batches of Benylin Paediatric Syrup (batch numbers 329303 and 329304), in response to reported high levels of diethylene glycol in an alert by the Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The recall was implemented as a precaution to protect lives while SAHPRA investigated the reported high levels of diethylene glycol.

As the national regulatory authority for health products in South Africa, SAHPRA implements health product recalls as a crucial measure to address safety concerns or quality issues in the interest of public health.

As part of the investigation of the reported high levels of diethylene glycol, SAHPRA tested samples of the two affected batches of Benylin Paediatric syrup through an independent laboratory and a method developed by the World Health Organisation for testing products for the presence of diethylene glycol. The tests did not find traces of diethylene glycol in the recalled batches. This indicates that units of batches 329303 and 329304 that were stored at the required temperature would not contain unacceptable levels of diethylene glycol.

SAHPRA also wishes to indicate that there is no record of any adverse drug reactions relating to diethylene glycol for the two recalled batches in South Africa or anywhere else where they were exported to on the continent.

SAHPRA is mandated to regulate and apply due diligence to health products to ensure that products in circulation in South Africa and those exported from SAHPRA-licensed manufacturers are safe for public consumption. SAHPRA applies this due diligence throughout the product life cycle, from registration through to post-market monitoring.

“SAHPRA will continue to closely monitor medical products that have the potential of containing unacceptable levels of diethylene glycol. And we will continue to address safety concerns or quality issues so that the health of the public is protected,” says SAHPRA CEO, Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela.