Concerns have been raised in Pakistan’s food and pharmaceutical industries regarding an imported solvent, which has been mixed with an industrial-grade chemical containing poisonous impurities. There are fears that this hazardous combination could lead to organ failure and fatalities among consumers.
Taking swift action, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) initiated a recall of cough syrup and raw materials upon the discovery of toxic contaminants. Fortunately, no harmful incidents related to medicine consumption have been reported, thanks to DRAP’s timely intervention.
What were the killer contaminants?
Officials are particularly worried about the mixing of industrial-grade propylene glycol with pharmaceutical- and food-grade PEG. Smaller pharmaceutical businesses and the food industry have been receiving the mixture, raising concerns about the potential inclusion of harmful contaminants such as Ethylene Glycol (EG) and Diethylene Glycol (DEG).
Propylene glycol, a commonly used solvent in the food and pharmaceutical industries, has permissible limits of impurities in imported PEG of pharmaceutical and food grades. However, local industries are obtaining the mixture at lower prices, indicating a possible presence of hazardous contaminants.
Following the recall of cough syrup in Peshawar due to the discovery of over 25% ethylene glycol (EG) and poisonous contaminants, DRAP has alerted its field force to sample imported Propylene Glycol from Dow Chemicals, Thailand, for safety before use in therapeutic goods.
DRAP has decided not to allow certain chemicals to enter Pakistan without testing at entry points due to the risk of ‘poisonous impurities.’ Customs authorities have been requested to provide a list of importers of Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, and Sorbitol for testing at entry points.
These chemicals, commonly used in various industries, including as solvents in therapeutic goods, pose a risk of contamination with extremely dangerous levels of ethylene glycol (EG) and diethylene glycol (DEG). DRAP emphasizes the need for an extensive list of raw material suppliers, including Pakistani importers of sorbitol, glycerin, and propylene glycol.
To prevent potential health risks, DRAP aims to carry out necessary sampling at Pakistani entry points to detect harmful impurities or pollutants in time for distribution. DRAP has also requested Customs authorities to designate a focal person for necessary information sharing and decision-making on sample processes at customs ports.
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