Cetirizine syrup from Pakistan banned over chemical contamination

All batches of Cetirizine syrup, a common medicine used for coughs, colds and colds, have been banned in Maldives due to a dangerous chemical present in the concoction.

To confirm whether the liquid medicine for cough, cold and flu contains chemical substances 'Diethylene Glycol' and 'Ethylene Glycol', samples were taken and screened from the market, and the use and import of the batch of syrup was temporarily banned on Tuesday until investigations are completed.

The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) said in a statement on Sunday that additional batches of the syrup were screened and all batches were found to contain the chemical.

"Therefore, it is hereby publicly announced that the import, sale and use of any batch of this drug, this brand, is prohibited in the country from Sunday," the MFDA announcement said.

The authority on Sunday asked all pharmacies and buyers to be vigilant. Those who import and sell the product in Maldives have been asked to dispose of the it in accordance with the rules.

The batch numbers of this medicine: