MFDA Lifts Ban on Children’s Painkiller Syrups After Safety Confirmation

The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has lifted the ban on two syrups administered to children as painkillers, which were previously prohibited due to concerns over the presence of harmful chemicals.

In a statement issued, the MFDA announced that the tests conducted on the batches available in the Maldivian market confirmed the medications are safe for use. Consequently, the authority has now lifted the ban on their import, sale, and use.

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pic.twitter.com/StxtDvL57H— MFDA (@MFDA_mv) November 26, 2024

During a routine quality screening, the MFDA identified diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG) in two medications: Mefnac Suspension Syrup, manufactured by Pakistan’s Efroze Chemical Pvt Ltd, and Axcel Mefenamic Acid Suspension Syrup, produced by Malaysia’s Kotra Pharma. The sale and use of these medications were immediately halted, and samples were sent abroad for further testing to confirm the findings.

As a precautionary measure, the MFDA has mandated that a diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol analysis report from a World Health Organization (WHO) prequalified laboratory must be submitted with future imports of these medications. This requirement aims to ensure ongoing safety and quality compliance.