Indian authorities have discovered quality issues in at least one sample of a cough syrup linked to the deaths of six children in Cameroon, according to sources familiar with the investigation. Riemann Labs, one of three Indian drugmakers implicated in the deaths of 141 children in Gambia, Uzbekistan, and Cameroon, has come under scrutiny for the quality of its exports. The World Health Organization (WHO) found that a sample of Naturcold syrup from Cameroon contained 28.6% of the toxin diethylene glycol, far exceeding the acceptable limit of 0.10%. Indian authorities suspended Riemann’s production following the WHO alert. Of the five Naturcold samples sent for testing, one has been found to be “not of standard” quality. The specific issues with the sample have not been disclosed pending the company’s response to a notice. Riemann Labs and the drug regulator of Madhya Pradesh state, where the company is based, did not respond to Reuters’ queries. An inspection of Riemann’s factory earlier this year uncovered violations, including improper ventilation that increased the risk of cross-contamination. Riemann has reportedly informed the state regulator that it is undertaking repairs in order to resume production. The other Indian cough syrup makers implicated in the overseas deaths have also applied to reopen their factories. India has made tests mandatory for cough syrup exports since June and has intensified scrutiny of drugmakers, uncovering several deficiencies in recent inspections.
