Maldives issues alert over cough syrup for kids

Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has issued an alert over contaminated cough syrup for children.

In a statement Tuesday, MFDA said the World Health Organization (WHO) found unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol in tests on samples of Guaifenesin TG syrup.

Both compounds are toxic to humans and could be fatal if consumed.

MFDA said it had issued three previous alerts over the contaminated syrup.

According to MFDA, the WHO has also found the compounds in Guaifenesin TG syrup manufactured by Punjab-based QP Pharmachem.

MFDA said that though the cough syrup is not on the approved drug list of Maldives, there is still a chance the drug is imported into the country through prescription or other ways.

The authority said it has enhanced checks in ports on prescribed drugs imported into Maldives as a safety measure.