Maldives detected contamination in Pakistani syrups, prompting a WHO alert for heightened vigilance. Lahore-based Pharmix Laboratories faced scrutiny after substances found in syrups matched those in brake fluids and inks. WHO identified five affected products, including Alergo Syrup and Zincell Syrup, raising concerns in Belize, Fiji, and Laos. DEG and EG contaminants were discovered in screenings, leading to recalls and sealing of Pharmix's syrup section.

Madives reports contamination in Pakistani syrups, suspen
Maldives has reported contamination in Pakistani syrups and suspension medicines, Dawn reported.The report prompted the World Health Organisation (WHO) to issue an alert urging countries to step up vigilance and test products manufactured by a Lahore-based pharmaceutical company, according to Dawn.Dawn is a Pakistani English-language newspaper.After receiving information from Maldives, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) sealed the syrup section of the company, Pharmix Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd. The authority may also initiate legal action after receiving lab test reports.The substances found in the syrups are reportedly used in hydraulic brake fluids, stamp pad inks, paints, plastics and cosmetics.
A company representative, Fayaz Ahmed, confirmed that Drap had sealed the firm's syrup section, but said that no company does it willfully. At the moment, he said, he was not in a position to comment on the issue.

According to Drap CEO Asim Rauf, the regulator had issued protocols and all the companies were bound to follow them.

"The Lahore-based company had manufactured its products in 2021, before issuance of the protocols, and the contamination has been found in some of the batches in Maldives and within Pakistan," he said, adding, "All syrups of the company have been recalled and the syrup section of the company has been sealed. Moreover, samples have been sent to a laboratory for further tests