PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Health authorities are warning against consuming a medical product that is part of a batch of substandard or contaminated cough syrup identified in Cameroon.
The Ministry of Health said the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a medical product alert regarding the Naturcold Cough Syrup after samples of the drug, used to relieve symptoms associated with the common cold, flu, and allergic rhinitis, showed unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol.
The public is advised that the compound is toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal.
The ministry said while the stated marketer of the affected product is listed on the packaging as FRAKEN INTERNATIONAL (England), the United Kingdom national regulatory authority, has confirmed that no such manufacturer exists in the UK.
It said enquiries are ongoing to determine the origin of the product.
“While the cough syrup is not registered for sale in Trinidad and Tobago, out of an abundance of caution, the Ministry advises persons who may be in possession of the product, to discontinue use immediately and to return the product to the place of purchase where possible,” it said, adding that it will continue to monitor the situation and advise the population as necessary.
