350 violations and toxic chemicals found in factory behind ‘killer’ cough syrup

A damning Tamil Nadu government probe has laid bare the squalid and reckless practices at a Kancheepuram-based drugmaker whose cough syrup, Coldrif, has been linked to the deaths of at least 16 children across Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

The 26-page inspection report details over 350 violations—from the use of toxic, non-pharma grade chemicals to filthy, rusting equipment and a complete absence of quality checks.

Filthy plant, zero safeguards

The Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Department found that Coldrif was manufactured in unhygienic conditions, with broken air filters, poor ventilation and rusted machinery. Inspectors noted that products were stored in dusty corridors, with no pest control, no sterilized water system, and no protocols to prevent contamination.

A Quality Assurance department did not exist, and not a single authorised official was assigned to release drug batches. Basic safety practices such as gowning procedures, pest control, cleaning systems or recall mechanisms were absent.

Deadly chemicals in children’s medicine

Perhaps the most shocking revelation was the illegal use of non-pharma grade chemicals. Inspectors discovered that the firm had procured 50 kg of propylene glycol without invoices and found traces of diethylene glycol (DEG) — a lethal industrial solvent used in brake fluids and paints — inside the syrup. Even in tiny doses, DEG is fatal, and its substitution in medicines has been behind some of the deadliest mass poisoning incidents worldwide.

The plant also relied on plastic pipes for drug transfers, lacked filtration systems, and dumped toxic effluents into public drains.

A collapse at every stage

From raw materials being released without testing to sampling carried out in open, contaminated environments, the lapses spanned every stage of production. Insect control was non-existent, fly catchers and air curtains were missing, and no skilled manpower was deployed to run critical operations. Analytical test validations and cleaning checks were never performed.

Government crackdown after deaths

In response, the Tamil Nadu government banned the sale of Coldrif statewide from October 1, seizing stock and halting production at the factory. “We have sought an explanation from the manufacturer. Until further orders, production at the facility has been stopped,” a senior official confirmed.

Meanwhile, in Madhya Pradesh, where 14 children died in Chhindwara district after consuming the syrup, three officials have been suspended and the state drug controller transferred. Rajasthan has also reported two child deaths linked to the drug.

The findings now raise chilling questions: had even the most basic drug safety norms been followed, could this tragedy — one of India’s worst recent pharmaceutical scandals — have been prevented?