P&G Philippines is voluntarily recalling its Sangobion Kids 100 ml (Iron + Vitamin B-Complex) in the country due to the “potential presence of ethylene glycol” after consultation with the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“Upon learning of the potential presence of ethylene glycol above the allowable limits in raw material, we decided to take precautionary measures including the voluntary recall of all batches of Sangobion® Kids 100 ml. Though the issue only impacted some batches, we are recalling all batches out of an abundance of caution,” P&G said in a statement.
“Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our consumers and the quality of our products. The potential presence of ethylene glycol in the product may result in adverse drug reactions. That is why even though our inspections and tests are still ongoing, we have decided to proactively recall all batches still in circulation to ensure our consumers only get products that meet P&G’s quality promise,” it added.
According to P&G, Sangobion Kids 100 ml is used for the treatment and prevention of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in children, latent insufficiency of iron and vitamin B during the growth period, and iron deficiency after the loss of blood.
It said the medicine is also used as a supplement during conditions of chronic illnesses and convalescence.
P&G Philippines advised the public to discontinue using the product. It said that it also requested retailers, pharmacies, and health professionals to stop the distribution, sale, and use of the product.
It also encouraged those who purchased the product to contact its management for guidance to return and refund the supplement.
The P&G Philippines said those children who consumed the product and experienced adverse reactions may contact the National Poison Management and Control Center at (02) 8524 1078, FDA: www.fda.gov.ph, or at the P&G Consumer Care contacts.
These adverse reactions include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, altered mental state, symptoms of acute kidney injury like inability to pass or reduced urine, lower back pain, or additional symptoms of irritability, lethargy, pale appearance, decreased muscle tone, and loss of appetite in younger kids.
“As one of the leading consumer health companies in the world, P&G will always comply with the law and regulations where our business operates. We continue to work with the FDA, our customers, and consumers in taking the necessary actions on this matter,” it said.
The public may also contact P&G at (02) 8894 3955 (Metro Manila) or 1800 1888 8008 (Outside Metro Manila) for any additional questions.
Ethylene glycol is a useful industrial compound found in many consumer products such as antifreeze, hydraulic brake fluids, some stamp pad inks, ballpoint pens, solvents, paints, plastics, films, and cosmetics, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The US CDC said it can affect the central nervous system, heart, and kidneys, adding that “ingesting enough can cause death.”