Tanzania’s drug regulator has recalled a batch of Johnson & Johnson children’s cough syrup after concerns over its safety.
This move follows Nigeria’s discovery of high toxicity levels in laboratory tests.
The syrup, used for treating coughs and allergies in children, has also been recalled in Kenya and South Africa, with an additional batch recalled in South Africa.
The batch of Benylin Paediatric syrup recalled was manufactured by J&J in South Africa in May 2021, but it’s now under the ownership of Kenvue after a spin-off from J&J last year.
Laboratory tests conducted by Nigeria’s health regulator revealed high levels of diethylene glycol, a substance linked to child deaths in other countries since 2022.
Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA) said it had begun the recall on April 12 after hearing about the Nigerian test results.
TMDA spokesperson, Gaudensia Simwanza said, “This is an exercise that does not involve investigation but rather monitoring to ensure that those affected drugs are removed from the market.”
The new owner Kenvue said in a statement that it is conducting its own assessment and working with health authorities to determine the next steps.
