Someone duplicated cough syrup to defame India: Punjab firm after WHO alert

A day after the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a red alert over India-made cough syrup in Marshal Islands, Managing Director, QP Pharma Chem Limited, Sudhir Pathak claimed that someone had duplicated the syrup to defame the Government of India.

"Punjab Food and Drug Administration(FDA) suspect that someone has duplicated the cough syrup sent to Cambodia and then sold it in the Marshall Islands and Micronesia to defame the Government of India," said Sudhir Pathak.

"We have taken all the precautionary measures. A total of 18,336 bottles of cough syrup were sent to Cambodia for testing," he added.

According to the world health body, the Guaifenesin Syrup TG Syrup was found with unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol contaminants.

"Samples of the GUAIFENESIN SYRUP TG SYRUP from the Marshall Islands were analysed by quality control laboratories of Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration(TGA). The analysis found that the product contained unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol as contaminants," WHO said in an alert.

"To date, neither the stated manufacturer nor the marketer has provided guarantees to WHO on the safety and quality of these products," it added.The WHO issued a red alert saying that the syrup is unsafe for use, especially in children, due to the presence of high levels of contaminants. Its consumption can cause severe injury and even death.

"The substandard product referenced in this Alert is unsafe and its use, especially in children, may result in serious injury or death. Toxic effects can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea,inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury which may lead to death," it added.

The international health body has requested these countries to boost their surveillance and diligence within the supply chains. Guaifenesin in is an expectorant that is used to relieve chest congestion and cough-related symptoms.