Authorities in three Indian states have banned the sale of Coldrif cough syrup after at least nine children reportedly died after consuming it.
The Indian Health Ministry stated that tests of the syrup, produced by Sresan Pharma in Tamil Nadu, revealed the presence of diethylene glycol (DEG), a highly toxic industrial solvent, at levels exceeding permissible limits.
Action taken by state governments:
- Madhya Pradesh, where most deaths occurred, has banned the sale of Coldrif and other products from Sresan Pharma.
- Tamil Nadu and Kerala have also prohibited its sale.
- The southern state of Telangana issued a public alert about the syrup.
This incident has renewed scrutiny of India’s pharmaceutical industry, which provides 20% of the world’s generic medicines. Previous warnings from the World Health Organization (WHO) linked Indian-made cough syrups to child deaths in Gambia, Uzbekistan, and Iraq over recent years, dw.com reports.
India’s generic drug industry, the third largest in the world by volume, produces more affordable versions of patented medicines. Studies have found that, while cheaper, the quality of generic drugs is generally comparable to branded alternatives.
The government and health authorities are investigating the incident to ensure stricter safety compliance and prevent future tragedies.
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