Four officials of an Indonesian firm whose cough syrup was linked to the deaths of over 200 children have been sentenced to two-year prison terms and fines.

BBC News reports that Afi Farma’s chief executive Arief Prasetya Harahap is among the four who were sentenced.

The firm was accused of producing cough syrups containing excess amounts of toxic substances.

However, the company’s lawyer said they denied negligence and the firm was considering whether to appeal.

According to BBC News, between October 2021 and February 2022 the company received two batches of propylene glycol, which is used for making cough syrup.

But the prosecutor said the batches contained 96% to 99% ethylene glycol which is toxic and used in paint, pens and brake fluid and added that the company did not test the ingredients, instead relying on quality and safety certificates from its supplier.

Afi Farma’s lawyer told BBC News that Indonesia’s drug regulator did not require drug makers to carry out rigorous testing of ingredients.