Kenya drug regulator recalls a batch of JnJ children cough syrup
Nairobi: Kenya's drug regulator said on thursday it is recalling a batch of Johnson & Johnson children's cough syrup, following Nigeria's recall of the same batch of medication under the Benylin Paediatric brand.
Nigeria's health regulator revealed that laboratory tests conducted on the syrup indicated a concerning level of diethylene glycol. This chemical has been associated with the deaths of numerous children in countries including Gambia, Uzbekistan, and Cameroon since 2022, marking one of the most severe episodes of poisoning linked to oral medication worldwide.
According to a Reuters report, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) of Kenya stated in a statement that it had initiated investigations into the matter and recommended the suspension of sales for certain batches of the product, urging their return to suppliers.
Kenvue, the entity now in possession of the Benylin brand following its separation from J&J last year, responded by stating its engagement with Nigeria's health regulator and undertaking its own evaluation to authenticate the sampled product, assess testing procedures, and review results.
"We take this matter very seriously and are acting with urgency to conduct a thorough safety and quality assessment," Kenvue said in a statement.
The batch under recall, manufactured by J&J in South Africa in May 2021 and bearing an expiration date of April 2024, was identified by the PPB as the subject of concern.
