Widespread Recall of Johnson & Johnson's Cough Syrup in Africa Due to Toxicity Concerns

Key Points

• Recall of Johnson & Johnson's children's cough syrup in six African countries due to high levels of diethylene glycol.
• Kenvue, J&J's consumer care spinoff, is working with health authorities to address the issue.
• The recall is classified as Class 1, Type A, indicating a severe risk to health.

In this news

Johnson & Johnson's children's cough syrup has been recalled across multiple African nations due to the detection of high levels of diethylene glycol, a toxic chemical compound. This recall affects batches sold in South Africa, Eswatini, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria. The issue came to light following tests conducted by Nigerian regulators, prompting immediate action from health authorities in the mentioned countries. The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has classified this as a Class 1, Type A recall, indicating a serious health risk.

Kenvue, the consumer care spinoff of Johnson & Johnson that now owns the Benylin brand, is currently collaborating with health authorities to conduct thorough safety and quality assessments. The urgency of these recalls is underscored by previous incidents where high levels of diethylene glycol in cough syrups were linked to child fatalities in other countries such as Gambia, Uzbekistan, and Cameroon. The ongoing situation raises significant concerns about quality control and regulatory oversight in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

As the affected nations await further test results, particularly from Kenya where results are expected soon, the global healthcare community is closely monitoring the developments. This incident not only highlights the critical importance of stringent quality checks in pharmaceutical production but also the potential repercussions on public trust towards major healthcare brands. The outcomes of the ongoing investigations and tests will likely influence future regulatory practices and consumer confidence in over-the-counter children's medications.