This review summarizes and analyses methods for controlling ethylene glycol (EG) and diethylene glycol (DEG) impurities in pharmaceutical products. Contamination of medicinal products with these substances threatens the safety of patients, which is confirmed by numerous mass poisoning incidents throughout history and in modern times. The main reason is using toxic glycols instead of safe fillers such as propylene glycol and glycerol. The article presents systematic review of modern EG and DEG determining methods that range from standard pharmacopoeia methods to perspective screening tools. Particular attention is given to the relevance of development and implementation of prompt, precise and affordable screening solutions to be used at all stages of the pharmaceutical supply chain. The World Health Organization (WHO) Initiatives, including the target product profile (TPP), which aims to enforce these solutions, have been reviewed. It is emphasized that shifting from traditional centralized laboratory testing to decentralized methods is essential to prevent falsification and ensure safety of patients.