Indonesian Cough Syrup Manufacturer Executives Jailed Over 200 Child Deaths Due to Toxic Contamination

Executives of Afi Farma sentenced to two years and fined for alleged negligence while producing potentially hazardous cough syrup; despite allegations of non-compliance with safety standards, the firm denies negligence and considers appealing the ruling.

• Afi Farma, an Indonesian cough syrup manufacturer has been linked to over 200 child deaths due to the inclusion of a toxic substance in their products.
• The CEO, Prasetya Harahap, and three other executives from the company were sentenced by the Kediri District Court in East Java to two years in prison and fined 1bn Indonesian rupiah ($63,029; £51,7130) each.
• The company is accused of consciously not testing the ingredients used in the syrup, relying solely on the quality and safety certificates provided by their supplier.
• The Public Prosecutor revealed that two batches of propylene glycol, a key ingredient in making the syrup, contained 96% to 99% of ethylene glycol, a toxic substance.
• More than 200 Indonesian children, primarily under the age of five, have died due to acute kidney injury linked to the contaminated cough syrup, with more deaths reported in Gambia and Uzbekistan.

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