Ministry of Health Issues Warning Regarding Contaminated Batches of Benylin Paediatric Syrup

MBABANE – The Ministry of Health has issued a public warning concerning two batches of Benylin Paediatric Syrup, which have been found to be contaminated with high levels of diethylene glycol, a toxic chemical. The affected batches, manufactured by Kenvue (formerly Johnson and Johnson) in May 2021, bear the batch numbers 329304 and 329303 and are set to expire in April 2024.

Diethylene glycol is a dangerous substance that poses serious health risks when consumed, including abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, headaches, and acute kidney injury, which can lead to death. In response to this discovery, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has initiated a recall of the affected batches, and investigations are currently underway.

The Ministry of Health has been notified that 144 units of batch number 329303 were distributed to Eswatini’s private market on 15 June 2021. While this product is not available in government facilities, the Ministry is actively communicating with private facilities to determine the extent of distribution and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to safeguard public health.

In light of these developments, the Ministry advises the public to take the following precautions:

• Discontinue the use of any Benylin Paediatric Syrup with the batch numbers 329304 or 329303 immediately.
• If ingested and experiencing symptoms, seek urgent medical attention at the nearest health facility.
• Return any identified syrup to the facility that dispensed it.
• Contact the Medicines Regulatory Unit of the Ministry of Health via WhatsApp at 7655 7303 for further assistance.

The Ministry of Health remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the public and will provide updates on this matter as further information becomes available.

Signed,

Hon. Mduduzi Matsebula
Minister of Health