NAFDAC DG, Mojisola Adeyeye.

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a recall notice for Benylin Paediatric cough syrup, a popular product manufactured by Johnson & Johnson. This decision comes in response to recent laboratory findings indicating potential toxicity in the syrup.

In an official statement released on Wednesday, NAFDAC revealed that laboratory analysis of Benylin Paediatric syrup detected an unacceptable high level of Diethylene glycol, a substance known to cause acute oral toxicity in laboratory animals. The syrup, commonly used for cough relief and allergic conditions in children aged 2 to 12 years, was found to pose serious health risks due to the presence of this harmful compound.

Diethylene glycol, when ingested, can lead to severe adverse effects in humans, including abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury, which may be fatal. As a precautionary measure, NAFDAC has urged importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise utmost caution and vigilance in handling and using the affected product.

The recalled Benylin Paediatric syrup, with batch number 329304, was manufactured by Johnson & Johnson in Cape Town, South Africa, in May 2021, and it is set to expire this month, April 2024. NAFDAC has advised individuals in possession of this product to immediately cease its sale or use and to promptly submit remaining stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.

Furthermore, NAFDAC emphasized the importance of sourcing medical products only from authorized and licensed suppliers, ensuring their authenticity and physical condition. Consumers who experience any adverse reactions after using the recalled product are urged to seek immediate medical attention from qualified healthcare professionals.

The recall serves as a proactive measure by NAFDAC to safeguard public health and prevent potential harm associated with the consumption of substandard or contaminated products. NAFDAC continues to monitor and regulate the quality of pharmaceutical products to ensure the safety and well-being of the Nigerian populace.