Drug regulators in Tanzania, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe have taken action to recall a batch of Johnson & Johnson children’s cough syrup due to concerns over high levels of toxicity.
This decision comes after Nigerian health regulators found elevated levels of diethylene glycol in the syrup, a substance linked to severe health issues and even deaths in children.
The affected countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, have all issued recalls for the same batch of syrup, with South Africa also recalling an additional batch. The batch in question was manufactured by J&J in South Africa in May 2021, but is now owned by Kenvue following a spin-off from J&J last year.
The Tanzanian Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA) initiated the recall on April 12 after being informed of the Nigerian test results. Similarly, Rwanda and Zimbabwe have also expressed concerns and have taken precautionary measures to prevent the syrup from entering their markets.
Kenvue has stated that it is conducting its own assessment of the situation and is collaborating with health authorities to determine the best course of action.
The Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority mentioned that while they have not received any adverse event reports, they are issuing a recall as a precautionary measure.
