SAFETY ALERT: SUBSTANDARD COUGH SYRUP MANUFACTURED BY FRAKEN GROUP IN CAMEROON

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) is alerting the public on suspected substandard cough syrup named NATURCOLD manufactured by Fraken Group which is believed to have caused the death 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 which is not authorized for marketing in Cameroon and was purchased from unauthorized sources. 

The FDA would like to inform the public that NATURCOLD manufactured by Fraken Group has not been registered by the Authority and is not expected on the Ghanaian market, however, they may have been distributed illegally. 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 authorized/licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.

Anyone in possession of the above-mentioned product is advised to discontinue sale or use and submit stock to the nearest FDA office. If you, or someone you know, have used these products, or suffered any adverse reaction/event after use, you are advised to seek immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of sale and use of substandard and falsified medicines to the nearest FDA office or FDA on 0551112224/5.

Similarly, healthcare professionals and patients are also encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of medicinal products to the nearest FDA office, or other reporting platforms available on the FDA website http:/adr.fdaghana.gov.gh/ or via the Med-safety mobile application available for download on android and IOS stores.