Following World Health Organization (WHO) Alert regarding identified batches of falsified and fraudulently mislabelled drums of DOW USP/EP Propylene Glycol, which were found to contain unacceptable levels of ethylene glycol, HSA advised manufacturers to test each batch of incoming excipients (i.e., propylene glycol, sorbitol, glycerin/glycerol) prior to use due to the potential risk of contamination with diethylene glycol and/or ethylene glycol.
Accordingly, HSA has updated the following Health Supplement and Traditional Medicines guidelines, specifying testing limits for diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol in oral liquid products:
– Traditional Medicines Guidelines
– Guidelines for Testing Requirements of Health Supplements and Traditional Medicines
– Voluntary Notification System for Health Supplements and Traditional Medicines – Guidelines on the Notification Process and Requirements
Please visit HSA websites for Health Supplement (www.hsa.gov.sg/health-supplements/overview) and Traditional Medicines (www.hsa.gov.sg/traditional-medicines/overview) for further detail.