TGDCA issues stop-use notice for Almont-Kid syrup over ethylene glycol contamination
The Telangana Drugs Control Administration has issued a stop-use notice for Almont-Kid Syrup after it was found adulterated with toxic ethylene glycol. The chemical has been linked to the deaths of at least 24 children in Madhya Pradesh, prompting urgent safety measures.
Hyderabad: The Telangana Drugs Control Administration (TGDCA) on Saturday has issued a ‘Stop Use Notice’ regarding Almont-Kid Syrup, adulterated with Ethylene Glycol, which is the close relative of deadly industrial chemical Diethyline Glycol (DEG), linked to the tragic deaths of at least 24 children in Madhya Pradesh.
The stop use notice by TGDCA has come following an alert by Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), East Zone, Kolkata, regarding a laboratory report that has declared the syrup as adulterated with Ethylene Glycol (EG), which is a highly toxic substance:
In the notice, the TGDCA has provided the details of the specific batch of the syrup that could be tainted by the toxic industrial waste.
Almont-Kid Syrup (Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride and Montelukast Sodium Syrup) with batch number AL-24002, manufactured date Jan, 2025 and expiry date Dec, 2026, manufactured by one Tridus Remedies, Plot No. D-42, D-43, Phase-II, Industrial Area, Hajipur, Vaishali-844102, Bihar.
“In light of the above, the public is hereby strongly advised to immediately stop the use of the above syrup, if in possession, and report the same to the nearest Drugs Control Authority without delay. The public may also report possession of the said product directly to the TGDCA, through the Toll-Free Number: 1800-599-6969, which is operational from 10.30 am to pm on all working days, DG, TGDCA, Shahanawaz Qasim in the notice said.
All Drugs Inspectors and Assistant Directors across the State have been directed to immediately alert all retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and hospitals to freeze any available stocks of the said product batch and ensure that the same are not dispensed or sold under any circumstances, TGDCA said.
The Drugs Control Administration, Telangana, has initiated necessary enforcement measures and is actively monitoring the situation to prevent further risk to public health. The public is urged to exercise utmost caution and refrain from using the aforementioned product to avert any potential health hazards associated with Ethylene Glycol toxicity.
