At least three Indian states have banned Coldrif Cough Syrup following the deaths of nine children under the age of five. Health officials reported that the children, from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, died after consuming the syrup, which was later found to be contaminated with diethylene glycol (DEG) a toxic industrial chemical used in antifreeze and solvents. Even trace amounts of DEG can cause severe poisoning or death.
India’s Health Ministry confirmed that laboratory tests detected DEG levels beyond permissible limits. The syrup, manufactured by Sresan Pharma in Tamil Nadu, has since been withdrawn from sale in multiple states.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced a statewide ban on the syrup and other products from the same manufacturer. Tamil Nadu and Kerala have also prohibited its sale, according to local reports.
Indian cough syrups have come under international scrutiny in recent years. In 2022, over 70 children in The Gambia died after consuming contaminated cough syrup believed to have originated in India.
