India Bans Cough Syrup After Nine Children Die From Toxic Ingredient
Authorities in Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala have imposed a ban on the sale of Coldrif cough syrup following the tragic deaths of nine children. Tests revealed that the syrup, manufactured by Chennai-based Sresan Pharmaceuticals, contains dangerous levels of diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic industrial solvent. Coldrif is produced by Sresan Pharma in Tamil Nadu. The incident has sparked renewed scrutiny of India's pharmaceutical industry, which supplies around 20% of the world's generic medicines. This is not the first time Indian-made cough syrups have been linked to child deaths. Previous WHO warnings highlighted similar incidents in Gambia, Uzbekistan, and Iraq. The government and health authorities are now investigating the Coldrif tragedy to ensure stricter safety compliance and prevent future occurrences. The generic drug industry in India is the third largest in the world by volume, providing more affordable versions of patented medicines. However, the recent incident has raised concerns about the quality and safety of these products. The sale of Coldrif cough syrup has been banned in three Indian states following the deaths of nine children. Tests confirmed the presence of excessive amounts of toxic diethylene glycol in the syrup. The incident has prompted investigations and renewed scrutiny of India's pharmaceutical industry, which plays a significant role in global medicine supply.
