Indian Pharmacopoeia Holds Key Training on Toxic Substance Detection
The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has successfully conducted its second Hands-on Training Programme focused on the determination of Ethylene Glycol (EG) and Diethylene Glycol (DEG) in oral liquid preparations. This significant event took place from June 22 to 23, 2026, at the IPC campus in Ghaziabad, aiming to bolster the analytical capabilities of regulatory laboratories in India.
The training session was inaugurated by Dr. V. Kalaiselvan, Secretary-cum-Scientific Director of IPC, and attended by Shri Rajeev Bhargava, Deputy Drugs Controller from the Department of Drugs Control in Delhi. The two-day programme highlighted the critical need for enhancing analytical techniques to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines.
Training Overview and Participation
Bringing together participants from six states including Haryana, Goa, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, and Meghalaya, the programme provided extensive practical training on Gas Chromatography (GC) techniques for detecting EG and DEG in oral liquid formulations. Participants engaged in hands-on activities, covering everything from sample preparation to instrument operation, calibration, analytical methods, chromatogram interpretation, and data analysis.
Health Risks of EG and DEG
Ethylene Glycol and Diethylene Glycol are dangerous chemicals that should not be present in any pharmaceutical products. These substances can inadvertently enter medications through substandard or contaminated excipients, resulting in potentially dire health effects like acute kidney injuries, central nervous system complications, and even fatalities from trace amounts. Thus, precise detection and regulation of these toxicants is paramount in preserving public health.
Compliance with Regulatory Standards
The training initiative aligns with the recent Amendment List 09 to IP-2022, effective from October 10, 2025, which mandates the testing of EG and DEG in all oral liquid formulations. The IPC’s effort is instrumental in supporting the effective implementation of Indian Pharmacopoeia standards and enhancing the analytical readiness of State Drug Testing Laboratories across the nation.
Focus on Quality Control
The technical sessions delved into the scientific understanding of EG and DEG contamination, related regulatory obligations, and the application of Gas Chromatography in standard testing procedures. Participants gained valuable insights into potential contamination sources and the essential role of quality control in preventing harmful substances from entering pharmaceuticals.
This comprehensive training initiative significantly boosts the skills of government drug analysts and encourages a spirit of collaboration among regulatory laboratories. The practical training approach equipped attendees with vital competencies necessary for precise analysis and adherence to pharmacopoeial standards.
The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission remains dedicated to facilitating advanced training and capacity building for State and Union Territory Drug Testing Laboratories, ensuring the consistent availability of safe, effective, and quality medicines for the public.
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