Telangana's Landmark Move: Mandatory Testing for Deadly Contaminants in All Syrups to Secure Public Health

In a decisive and commendable move to safeguard the health and well-being of its citizens, the Telangana government has issued a sweeping directive making it mandatory for all pharmaceutical manufacturers to rigorously test their syrup formulations for the presence of toxic Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Ethylene Glycol (EG).

This critical new mandate, spearheaded by the state's vigilant Drug Control Administration (DCA), applies not only to new batches rolling off production lines but also to every single batch currently circulating in the market.

The proactive measure comes on the heels of several tragic global incidents where DEG and EG contamination in cough syrups led to severe illness and fatalities, particularly among children, in countries like Gambia and Uzbekistan.

Recognizing the grave risks these contaminants pose, Telangana has stepped up to implement a robust protective barrier, ensuring that such devastating events are prevented within its borders.

Under the new directive, drug manufacturers are now compelled to conduct comprehensive testing for DEG and EG, employing highly sensitive and validated analytical methods.

These crucial tests must be carried out by laboratories that are accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), guaranteeing the highest standards of accuracy and reliability in the testing process. Furthermore, manufacturers are required to submit detailed Certificates of Analysis (CoA) for DEG/EG to the DCA for every batch produced or distributed, ensuring transparency and accountability.

To bolster enforcement and maintain an unwavering vigil on drug quality, the DCA has empowered its drug inspectors to ramp up surveillance.

These inspectors will routinely collect samples of syrups from various points in the supply chain – including manufacturing units, distribution channels, and retail pharmacies – for independent verification of DEG/EG levels. This multi-layered approach aims to create an ironclad system of checks and balances, leaving no room for compromise on patient safety.

Adding another layer of scrutiny, the mandate also requires all pharmaceutical companies to furnish a comprehensive list of their products that incorporate commonly used excipients such as propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, glycerine, and sorbitol.

These ingredients, while generally safe, have historically been implicated as potential sources of DEG/EG contamination if not sourced and processed with extreme care. By identifying these products, the DCA can focus its oversight more effectively, mitigating potential risks even further.

This landmark decision by the Telangana government underscores its unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of drug quality and patient safety.

By mandating stringent testing for these insidious contaminants, Telangana is setting a powerful precedent, ensuring that every spoonful of medicine consumed by its populace is safe, pure, and free from harm. It's a clear message to the pharmaceutical industry: public health is paramount, and there will be no concessions when it comes to the safety of medicinal products.