FDA Advises Manufacturers to Test Glycerin for Possible
ContaminationGlycerin Contaminated with Diethylene Glycol (DEG)
Remains a Potential Health Hazard to Consumers <!-- #EndEditable
--><!-- #BeginEditable "Body of Text" --> ROCKVILLE, Md., May 4,
2007-The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning
pharmaceutical manufacturers, suppliers, drug repackers, and
health professionals who compound medications to be especially
vigilant in assuring that glycerin, a sweetener commonly used
worldwide in liquid over-the-counter and prescription drug
products, is not contaminated with diethylene glycol (DEG). DEG
is a known poison used in antifreeze and as a solvent. Today,
the agency is issuing guidance to industry recommending methods
of testing glycerin and other controls to identify any
contamination with DEG before use in the manufacture or
preparation of pharmaceutical products. At the present time, FDA
has no reason to believe that the U.S. supply of glycerin is
contaminated with DEG, though the agency i