South Africa Issues Recall of J&J’s Cough Syrup Across Six African Nations Due to Suspected Toxicity

South Africa’s health authority announced on Saturday its decision to recall certain lots of Johnson & Johnson’s children’s cough syrup due to the discovery of elevated levels of diethylene glycol. In response to suspected toxicity concerns, South Africa has taken the proactive step of issuing a J&J Cough Syrup Recall across six African nations. The impacted batches were distributed in South Africa, Eswatini, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria, according to the statement. Nigeria’s regulatory agency findings, detecting the toxin in Benylin Paediatric Syrup, prompted this action earlier.

Both Kenya and Nigeria have initiated recalls for the identical syrup, commonly prescribed for hay fever and upper respiratory tract allergies. Kenvue, the current proprietor of the Benylin label following its separation from J&J in the prior year, conveyed in a statement its ongoing evaluation and collaboration with health agencies to chart a response strategy.

“A review of our global safety database for the period between product release in May 2021 and up to 11 April 2024 did not identify any serious adverse events for any batch of Benylin Paediatric Syrup,” it said.

Furthermore, the incident underscores the importance of stringent quality control measures in the pharmaceutical industry to prevent such occurrences. Issuing the J&J Cough Syrup Recall shows South Africa’s commitment to safety standards and consumer protection. This proactive stance prioritizes public health. Regulatory authorities’ swift action underscores pharmaceutical product risks and the critical oversight role in risk mitigation.
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