The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) successfully conducted the 2nd Hands-on Training Program on the Determination of Ethylene Glycol (EG) and Diethylene Glycol (DEG) in Oral Liquid Preparations by Gas Chromatography (GC) from June 22-23, 2026 at its campus in Ghaziabad.

The training program was inaugurated by Dr V. Kalaiselvan, Secretary-cum-Scientific Director, IPC, in the presence of Rajeev Bhargava, Deputy Drugs Controller (DDC), Department of Drugs Control, Delhi, who graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor. During the inaugural session, the importance of strengthening analytical capabilities of regulatory laboratories for ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines was emphasised.

The two-day program brought together participants from 6 states including Haryana, Goa, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, and Meghalaya, and provided intensive practical training on the determination of EG and DEG in oral liquid formulations using GC. The participants received hands-on exposure to sample preparation, instrument operation, calibration, analytical method implementation, chromatogram interpretation and data analysis.

EG and DEG are highly toxic substances that are not permitted in pharmaceutical formulations. These contaminants may be introduced through adulterated or substandard excipients such as glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, and polyethylene glycol. Even trace quantities can pose serious health risks, including acute kidney injury, Central Nervous System (CNS) depression, and death. Therefore, their accurate detection, quantification, and control are essential for safeguarding public health and ensuring pharmaceutical quality.

The training program was organised in the context of Amendment List 09 to IP–2022, effective from October 10, 2025, which mandates testing for EG and DEG in all oral liquid formulations. Through this initiative, IPC continues to support the effective implementation of Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) standards and strengthen the analytical preparedness of State Drug Testing Laboratories across the country.

The technical sessions covered the scientific basis of DEG and EG contamination, regulatory requirements, analytical methodology, and practical application of GC for routine testing. Participants also gained insights into potential sources of contamination and the critical role of quality control measures in preventing the entry of toxic contaminants into pharmaceutical products.

The program significantly enhanced the technical competence of government drug analysts and facilitated knowledge sharing among regulatory laboratories. The hands-on approach enabled participants to develop practical skills required for accurate analysis and compliance with pharmacopoeial requirements.