The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) successfully conducted its 2nd Hands-on Training Programme on the Determination of Ethylene Glycol (EG) and Diethylene Glycol (DEG) in Oral Liquid Preparations by Gas Chromatography from June 22 to 23, 2026, at its Ghaziabad campus. The program was inaugurated by Dr V. Kalaiselvan, Secretary-cum-Scientific Director of IPC, with Shri Rajeev Bhargava, Deputy Drugs Controller of Delhi's Department of Drugs Control, attending as Guest of Honour.
Participants from six states—Haryana, Goa, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, and Meghalaya—received intensive practical training on Gas Chromatography techniques specifically for detecting EG and DEG contaminants. The training covered sample preparation, instrument operation, calibration, analytical method implementation, chromatogram interpretation, and data analysis. These toxic substances are not permitted in pharmaceutical formulations and can cause serious health risks including acute kidney injury, central nervous system depression, and death, even in trace quantities.
The training was organized in response to Amendment List 09 to IP-2022, which became effective from October 10, 2025, and mandates testing for EG and DEG in all oral liquid formulations. The technical sessions addressed the scientific basis of contamination, regulatory requirements, analytical methodology, and practical application of Gas Chromatography for routine testing. Participants also learned about potential contamination sources through adulterated or substandard excipients such as glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, and polyethylene glycol.
The program significantly enhanced the technical competence of government drug analysts and facilitated knowledge sharing among regulatory laboratories, supporting the effective implementation of Indian Pharmacopoeia standards across state drug testing facilities to ensure the availability of safe, effective, and quality medicines to the public.