The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has placed a temporary ban on two widely-used children’s painkiller syrups due to the discovery of harmful chemicals in these products. The syrups, intended to treat common ailments like pain and fever in children, have been found to contain toxic substances that pose significant health risks.
What Happened?
The MFDA's recent quality check uncovered the presence of two dangerous chemicals in two popular painkiller syrups: diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG). These chemicals are commonly found in industrial products and are not safe for human consumption.
The syrups involved are:
- Mefnac Suspension Syrup (50mg/5ml) – Manufactured by Efroze Chemical Pvt Ltd, Pakistan
- Axcel Mefenamic Acid Suspension Syrup (125mg/5ml) – Manufactured by Kotra Pharma, Malaysia
These products have been immediately recalled, and the import, sale, and use of these medications are now banned.
Why Were These Medications Banned?
Diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG) are industrial chemicals that can be deadly, especially to children. When consumed, these substances can lead to serious health complications, including organ failure, neurological damage, and, in extreme cases, death.
Sadly, DEG and EG have been responsible for multiple child fatalities in other countries. In Indonesia and Gambia, hundreds of children lost their lives after consuming contaminated medications. The MFDA’s decision to ban these syrups aims to prevent any such tragedies in the Maldives.
Routine Quality Checks
The MFDA’s discovery came after a routine quality screening of these medications. The authority’s thorough testing is crucial in ensuring the safety of pharmaceutical products in the country. Routine checks help identify harmful ingredients that could endanger the public, especially vulnerable groups like children.
Following the findings, the MFDA has sent samples of both syrups to international laboratories for further analysis. These additional tests will determine the full extent of contamination and whether other batches are affected.
What Actions Have Been Taken?
In response to the situation, the MFDA has outlined a series of steps:
- Immediate Ban: The sale, use, and import of the syrups have been temporarily suspended.
- Further Testing: Samples have been sent abroad for deeper investigation into the scope of the contamination.
- Strict Storage Guidelines: Pharmacies and warehouses have been instructed to separate any stock of the affected syrups to prevent accidental distribution.
Public Awareness
The MFDA has strongly urged the public not to use the recalled medications and to be vigilant about the products they purchase. It is essential that parents and caregivers avoid giving these syrups to children and consult healthcare providers for safer alternatives.
The authority is continuing to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates once more information is available from the international testing labs. Ensuring the safety and well-being of the public remains a top priority.
