LUSAKA, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Zambia's drug regulator on Friday announced the recall of a batch of cough syrup manufactured by Johnson & Johnson after tests showed that it contained a toxic substance that was harmful to humans.
The Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority said it has recalled Benylin pediatric cough syrup used for relief of cough in children after tests showed it contained high levels of Diethylene glycol, a colorless, odorless, and hygroscopic liquid with a sweetish taste, following laboratory analysis.
"Diethylene glycol is toxic to humans when consumed in amounts above the acceptable limits, resulting in serious injury or death, especially in children," the regulator said in a statement.
The regulator has since urged importers and distributors of the product to conduct market surveillance and facilitate the recall and disposal of the affected batch, adding that it closely monitors the recall to ensure that the product was completely removed from circulation in the interest of public health. ■