Fact Check: Has the Zimbabwean government recalled batches of Benylin Paediatric Syrup

Claim: Media reports claim batches (329303 and 329304) of Benylin Paediatric 100ml syrup manufactured by Johnson and Johnson, South Africa have been recalled from the market for containing unacceptably high levels of Diethylene Glycol, a contaminant which is toxic for humans when consumed.

Is this true or false

Verdict: True

The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) released a statement dated 15 April 2024 to inform stakeholders of its recall of the two batches of Benylin Paediatric syrup following communication from Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

NAFDAC announced that it had conducted laboratory analysis which revealed, “unacceptably high levels of Diethylene glycol in this formulation”.

What are the effects of Diethylene glycol?

MCAZ reported that, “Toxic effects can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury, potentially leading to death”.

Can MCAZ track circulation of the intoxicated syrup in the market?

In the statement, MCAZ says, while the Authority confirms that this product was registered in 2023 for use in Zimbabwe, its import database, “does not show a record of the importation of this product and more specifically these two batches”.

The medicines regulator raised concern, “the aforementioned batches of Benylin Paediatric Syrup may find their way into the local market”.

What actions can be taken to track the circulation of the infected batches?

MCAZ said it will intensify its market surveillance activities through strict premise inspections and public awareness campaigns to ensure these products are not circulated.
The public who are in possession of or come across the infected product are encouraged to, notify MCAZ or their health care provider immediately and desist from administering this product to children.