Uzbekistan fallout: Union government issues ‘Ethylene Glycol (Quality Control) Order, 2022’

Uzbekistan fallout: Union government issues ‘Ethylene Glycol (Quality Control) Order, 2022’

Subject: Science and Technology

Context:

• A day after Uzbekistan alleged 18 child deaths in Samarkand from consumption of a medicinal syrup manufactured by an Indian drugmaker. The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals with the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers issued a gazette notification titled Ethylene Glycol (Quality Control) Order, 2022 on December 29.

What is the issue?

• Uzbekistan alleged 18 children died in Samarkand from consumption of a medicinal syrup manufactured by an Indian drugmaker named Marion Biotech.

Details:

• The syrup it manufactured contained ethylene glycol.
• A joint inspection of the Noida facility of Marion Biotech, was carried out by a Uttar Pradesh Drug Control and Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation team on receipt of the information.

Who is Marion Biotech:

• Marion Biotech is a drug company based in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. 
• It is a licensed manufacturer and holds a licence for manufacturing of Dok1 Max syrupand tablets for export purposes granted by UP Drug Control.
• Marion Biotech does not sell Dok-1 Max in India and its only export has been to Uzbekistan.

Details of theEthylene Glycol (Quality Control) Order, 2022:

• The order came after the Centre consulted the Bureau of Indian Standards on the matter.
• Certification and enforcement authority:
  • In respect of specific goods or articles, the Bureau of Indian Standards shall be the certifying and enforcing authority.
• Penalty:
  • Any person who contravenes the provisions of this Order shall be punishable under the provisions of the said Act.