January 1, FDA Assures No Toxic Cough Syrup Sent to US

Wyatt’s Take

• The FDA confirmed dangerous cough syrups killing children overseas haven’t reached our shelves.
• India’s cough medicines are under scrutiny after deaths linked to toxins.
• The FDA is on guard to keep our medicine supply safe.

The Food and Drug Administration says the toxic cough syrups tied to child deaths in India never entered the United States. Indian authorities ordered a ban after 17 children under five died from cough medicine containing deadly levels of diethylene glycol.

These deaths were traced to a single medicine, which tested positive for nearly 500 times the safe amount of toxic chemicals. The World Health Organization called out India’s weak pharmaceutical oversight, warning of risks in local drugs.

The FDA pointed out that U.S. drugmakers must stick to strict safety standards. The agency promised to keep tainted medicine out of the country and is urging manufacturers to remain vigilant.

The FDA says it is working closely with Indian health officials, who report these toxic products haven’t been exported anywhere, including the U.S.

If you care about what’s going into your family’s medicine cabinet, stick with brands and regulators you trust. Watch out for news about medicines coming from overseas, and pay attention to updates about product recalls or safety alerts.

Wyatt Matters

Families in Middle America deserve to know their medicine is safe and not some risky import. Protecting what’s in our homes starts with holding companies and regulators accountable, so what we buy here stays safe for our kids and neighbors.

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