MFDA warns over harmful chemical in paracetamol, cough syrups
None of the existing batches imported to the Maldives contain these substances, according to the health ministry.
By
Aminath Shifleen
The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) on Thursday issued a warning over the presence of harmful chemicals in the syrup medicines used for cough and fever as well as paracetamol given to children in several countries in the region.
Although these are common medicines several countries including the Maldives, none of the existing batches imported to the Maldives contain these substances, according to the health ministry.
The MFDA, which comes under the health ministry, in a gazette notification on Wednesday said that these medicines contain harmful chemicals including:
-
Diethylene Glycol
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Ethylene Glycol
"As a precautionary measure, every batch of paracetamol, cough and fever medicines imported into the country from June 31 will have to be accompanied by a report prepared by a WHO pre-qualified laboratory," the notification said.
