PUNCH
The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control has alerted Nigerians about a suspected substandard cough syrup called ‘Naturcold.’
The cough syrup which is said to be manufactured by Fraken Group is believed to have caused the deaths of six children under the age of five at a health facility in the health district of Fundong, in the North-West region of Cameroon.
According to the North-West Regional of Cameroon delegate for Public Health, the children showed a decrease in kidney function after consuming the suspected substandard cough syrup.
NAFDAC, in a press statement on its website said the product is not authorised for marketing in Cameroon and was purchased from unauthorised sources.
“Although the product is not in NAFDAC database, importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale and use of the substandard (contaminated) syrups. All medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.