ASHENEWS reports that the public are currently not finding it likely with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) over the recall of the Benylin Pediatric Syrup following recent toxicity findings on the product.
The Agency was blamed for allegedly waiting until the syrup is close to its expiration before announcing its recall despite it being in circulation since 2021.
NAFDAC had on Thursday notified the public via a press release of the recall of Benylin Paediatric Syrup manufactured by Johnson & Johnson. The recall, NAFDAC said, was following recent toxicity findings in the laboratory on the product.
“Laboratory analysis conducted on the product showed that it contains an unacceptable high level of Diethylene Glycol and found to cause acute oral toxicity in laboratory animals.
“Benylin Paediatric Syrup is indicated for the relief of cough and its congestive symptoms and for the treatment of hay fever and other allergic conditions in children aged 2 to 12 years.
NAFDAC stated that Diethylene Glycol is toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal adding that its toxic effects can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury, which may lead to death.
The Agency had called on importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to avoid the importation, distribution, sale and use of the product.
On its Twitter page, some of the followers questioned the effectiveness of the Agency if it had to wait for three years after the product was introduced to the market with concerns expressed over the products that have already been consumed and are currently in the market.
One of the followers who commented, Prince Olusegun wrote, “Why are you announcing it just a few days to its expiry date? The product has been in the market since 2001! Can you imagine how much havoc has been done to innocent kids to whom the drug has been administered since then?”
Another Follower, Lord Highwaters wrote , “This product stayed within our market for over three years. Our people already bought and consumed it, then you wake upon at expiration date to recall it. Some of you people deserve to be without a job.”
Another Follower, Taiye wrote, ” I mean, for a Lot Number that was produced in 2001, and expiring this month, isn’t it rather too late putting out a recall notice as at today?!”
A Follower, Temilehin Ajibola questioned, “what happened to others that has been sold and consumed. If we have to wait for 3 years to recall a product that was produced in 2021 then the system isn’t working.”
