Children die from tainted formula
Nigerian health officials have arrested the operators of a pharmaceutical company involved in a tainted teething formula case that left 84 children dead.
Dr Paul Orhii, head of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, said Barewa Pharmaceuticals in Lagos will remain closed until investigations are concluded.
Twelve people were arrested, including five from Barewa Pharmaceuticals. Seven more worked for the supplier of the tainted chemical.
Dr Orhii said that authorities want the maximum penalty of 15 years.
The children were stricken with fever, convulsions, diarrhoea and vomiting, and were unable to urinate after being given the My Pikin Baby Teething Mixture.
The dead ranged from two months to seven years old.