Dr Ghebreyesus
Gom Mirian
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a Medical Product alert for a batch of substandard and contaminated syrup called COLD OUT in the Republic of Iraq.
The affected batch of the product, which contains paracetamol and chlorpheniramine Maleate combination used to treat and relieve symptoms of the common cold and allergy symptoms, has been identified as substandard due to the presence of contaminants.
In a statement, the organisation noted that a sample of the COLD OUT Syrup was taken from one location in Iraq and sent for laboratory investigation on July 10, when the alarm was first received by a third party.
it read: “The sample was found to contain unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol (0.25%) and ethylene glycol (2.1%) as contaminants. The acceptable safety limit for both ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol is no more than 0.10%.
“The stated manufacturer of the affected batch of the product is FOURRTS (INDIA) LABORATORIES PVT. LTD and the product is stated to be manufactured for DABILIFE PHARMA PVT. LTD. – INDIA. To date, the stated manufacturer and the marketer have not provided guarantees to WHO on the safety and quality of the product.
“The substandard batch of the product referenced in this Alert is unsafe and its 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.”
It urged anyone in possretion of the substandard syrup not to consume iitbut instead return it to the place of purchase or properly dispose of it according to local guidelines.
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