Iraqi health authorities have launched a nationwide recall of a cold syrup manufactured in India after it was found to be contaminated with a toxic chemical. The recall was initiated on Wednesday, following a previous recall in the Kurdistan region on July 30. The decision to recall the product was made by the Kurdistan Medical Control Agency and supported by the central government's health ministry.
According to Kocher Younis, the head of registration at the Kurdistan Medical Control Agency, no illnesses resulting from the consumption of the contaminated syrup have been reported thus far. However, the presence of the toxic chemical in the medication raises concerns about potential health risks.
Contrary to a previous statement from the Iraqi health ministry, Younis clarified that the product had actually received authorization for import and sale throughout Iraq, after receiving approval from the Kurdistan region. The health ministry has not yet responded to requests for further clarification on the matter.
This incident marks the fifth time within a year that drugs from an Indian exporter have been found to contain excessive levels of ethylene glycol. Notably, this chemical was implicated in the mass deaths of children who consumed Indian-made cough syrup in Gambia and Uzbekistan last year. The cold syrup in question, named Cold Out, is manufactured by Fourrts (India) Pvt. Ltd., as indicated by the label on the sample tested by Valisure. The company has stated that a subcontractor was responsible for manufacturing the specific product and that Indian drug regulators are currently investigating the matter.
Multiple batches of Cold Out have been imported to Iraq in recent years, with the most recent batch arriving in January 2023. All batches of the syrup are subject to the recall, according to Younis. While the Kurdistan Medical Control Agency conducted tests on each batch before they were sold, some batches were not specifically tested for impurities, including ethylene glycol, as these tests were not considered mandatory.
The recall of the contaminated cold syrup highlights the importance of rigorous quality control measures and thorough testing processes in the pharmaceutical industry. It also serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with the consumption of tainted medications and the need for swift action to protect public health.