Coldrif Cough Syrup Linked to Child Deaths Banned in Three States; Central Regulator Takes Action

The cough syrup, manufactured at the company's unit in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, has now been banned in three states Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu as authorities scramble to contain the fallout .

Toxic Findings and Immediate Actions

An investigation by the Tamil Nadu Drug Department uncovered that a specific batch of Coldrif syrup (SR-13) was manufactured using non-pharmacopoeia grade propylene glycol contaminated with diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol . These chemicals, used in antifreeze and industrial solvents, are known to cause severe kidney damage .

Laboratory analysis confirmed the syrup contained 48.6% DEG by weight, leading officials to declare it "Not of Standard Quality" and poisonous .

In response, the Tamil Nadu government immediately:

-   Banned the sale and distribution of Coldrif syrup statewide.

-   Issued a stop-production order to Shreesan Pharmaceuticals.

-   Begun the process of cancelling the company's manufacturing license .

The Human Toll and Official Response

The contamination is linked to the deaths of 11 children in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, all under five years old, within a 32-day period . The first death was reported on September 7, with subsequent children succumbing to kidney failure .

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced a compensation ofRs.4 lakh each to the families of the deceased and has banned the syrup across the state .

Nationwide Regulatory Moves

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is directing the Tamil Nadu Food and Drug Administration to take strict action against the manufacturer under the most serious offences .

Concurrently, the Union Health Ministry has initiated risk-based inspections of 19 drug manufacturing units across six states to identify quality control failures and prevent future tragedies .

This incident has renewed scrutiny on India's pharmaceutical industry, which has faced similar international scandals in recent years, including cough syrup-linked child deaths in The Gambia and Uzbekistan .