The boss and three other officials of an Indonesian firm in East Java, whose cough syrup was linked to the deaths of more than 200 children, have been sentenced to prison for two years and fined the equivalent of $63 000.
The firm, Afi Farma, was accused of producing cough syrups containing excess amounts of toxic substances, although the company’s lawyer said they denied negligence and were considering whether to appeal.
Prosecutors had wanted sentences of up to nine years for chief executive Arief Harahap and seven years each for the other defendants, reports BBC News.
The Public Prosecutor said that between October 2021 and February 2022 the company received two batches of propylene glycol, which is used for making cough mixture.
The batches contained 96% to 99% ethylene glycol, both of which can be used as additives to solvents. While propylene glycol is non-toxic and widely used in medicines, cosmetics and food, ethylene glycol is toxic and used in paint, pens and brake fluid.
The company did not test the ingredients before using in the medicine, and instead, relied on quality and safety certificates from its supplier, prosecutors said.
Afi Farma’s lawyer told the BBC that Indonesia’s drug regulator did not require drug makers to carry out rigorous testing of ingredients.
The judge found the four defendants guilty of intentionally producing pharmaceutical goods that did not meet safety standards.
The case comes as efforts grow worldwide to tighten the oversight of drug supply chains after the poisonings.
The WHO has issued warnings about six cough syrups made in India and Indonesia.
BBC News article (Boss of Indonesia cough syrup maker jailed after child deaths)
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Indonesia families launch lawsuit over contaminated cough syrup
How over-the-counter cough syrups can harm children
Indonesia revokes firms’ licences after 150 deaths from toxic meds