The World Health Organisation (WHO) has alerted Nigeria and other countries on contaminated ‘Naturcold Syrup’ discovered in Cameroon.

The organisation gave the notification in a medical product alert posted on its website.

Recall that the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) had, in April, warned Nigerians against the use of Naturcold, believed to have caused the deaths of six children under the age of five at a health facility in the health district of Fundong, in the North-West region of Cameroon.

In 2022, more than 300 children – mainly aged under five – in Gambia, Indonesia, and Uzbekistan died of acute kidney injury, in deaths associated with cough syrups for children with confirmed or suspected contamination with high levels of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol.

WHO said Naturcold Syrup sold in Cameroon was first reported on March 13, 2023, and samples of the syrup were made available to WHO on June 27, 2023.

It said the analysis of the syrup found that the product contained unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol as contaminants.

“Diethylene glycol was detected in samples of Naturcold as much as 28.6 per cent. The acceptable limit for Diethylene Glycol is no more than 0.10 per cent,” WHO said.

WHO added that diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol are toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal.

It said that the stated manufacturer of the affected product was listed on the product packaging as ‘Fraken International (England)’.

“The United Kingdom national regulatory authority, the MHRA, has confirmed that no such company exists in the UK,” it said.

The health organisation further said that enquiries were still underway to determine the origin of the product, addidng that the manufacturer had not provided guarantees to WHO on the safety and quality of the products.

“The product referenced in this Alert may have marketing authorisations in other countries or regions.

“It may also have been distributed through informal markets to neighbouring countries,” it said.

WHO advised the public not to use the affected product while advising them to seek immediate medical advice from healthcare professional if they had used, or suffered an adverse reaction or unexpected side-effect after use of the product.

It also advised regulatory agencies to increase surveillance and diligence within the supply chains of countries and regions likely to be affected by the products.

“Increased surveillance of the informal or unregulated market is also advised,” it said.

It advised health authorities to immediately notify WHO if these substandard products are discovered in their respective countries.