The World Health Organization (WHO) on April 25 said that contaminated cough syrup made by an Indian company had been found in the Marshall Islands and Micronesia. The global health body said in its medical product alert that a batch of substandard (contaminated) ‘Guaifenesin Syrup TG Syrup’ had been identified in the Marshall Islands and Federated States of Micronesia, and reported to the WHO on April 6, 2023.
Guaifenesin is an expectorant used to relieve chest congestion and symptoms of cough. “Samples of the Guaifenesin Syrup TG Syrup from the Marshall Islands were analysed by quality control laboratories of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia. The analysis found that the product contained unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol as contaminants,’’ the WHO’s statement said.
Also read: WHO calls for action to protect children from contaminated medicines after cough syrups deaths
