The World Health Organisation, WHO, has warned against poisonous batch of cough syrup sold in Cameroon under the brand name Naturcold which contained extremely high levels of contaminated toxic ingredients.
Recalls that the NAFDAC had in April warned against the use of “Naturcold” which is believed to have caused the death of six children at a health facility, in the North-West region of Cameroon.
WHO said the cough syrup samples were made available to the health body on June 27, 2023.
The agency said analysis found that the Naturcold contained unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol as contaminants.
‘Diethylene glycol is a colourless, odourless, clear liquid with a sweet taste. It is used as a cheaper alternative to glycerin in cough syrups.’
“Diethylene glycol was detected in samples of Naturcold as much as 28.6 per cent. The acceptable limit for Diethylene Glycol is no more than 0.10 per cent,” WHO said.
The statement read: “The stated manufacturer of the affected product is listed on the product packaging as Fraken International (England). The United Kingdom national regulatory authority, the MHRA, has confirmed that no such company exists in the UK.
“Diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol are toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal.
Enquires are still underway to determine the origin of the product. Therefore, the stated manufacturer has not provided guarantees to WHO on the safety and quality of these products.
“The product referenced in this Alert may have marketing authorizations in other countries or regions. It may also have been distributed through informal markets to neighboring countries.
“The substandard products referenced in this Alert are unsafe and their 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.
If you have the affected product, WHO recommends that you do not use it.
“If you, or someone you know, has or may have used the affected product, or suffered an adverse reaction or unexpected side-effect after use, you are advised to seek immediate medical advice from a healthcare professional.”
