Kenya’s drug regulator has followed Nigeria’s lead in recalling a batch of Johnson & Johnson children’s cough syrup, sold under the Benylin Paediatric brand.

The move comes after concerns arose regarding the presence of diethylene glycol, a substance linked to fatal outcomes in multiple countries since 2022, including Gambia, Uzbekistan, and Cameroon.

Nigeria’s health regulatory body disclosed that laboratory tests detected high levels of diethylene glycol in the syrup, prompting immediate action.

“This compound has been associated with the tragic deaths of numerous children globally, marking one of the most severe instances of medication poisoning via oral ingestion,” stated the agency.

In response to the alarming findings, Kenya’s Pharmacy and Poisons Board initiated investigations and advised halting sales of specific batches, urging their return to suppliers.

Kenvue, the entity overseeing the Benylin brand after its separation from J&J, has yet to comment on the matter.

The recalled batch, produced by J&J in South Africa in May 2021 with an expiration date of April 2024, remains under scrutiny by regulatory authorities to safeguard public health.

Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control announced the recall on April 10th, 2024, citing concerning levels of diethylene glycol in the syrup.

This toxic compound can induce severe symptoms upon ingestion, including abdominal pain, vomiting, and acute kidney injury.