Centre clears cough syrups despite Tamil Nadu lab flagging adulteration

The Union Health Ministry has confirmed that national-level tests on cough syrups have not found contamination with harmful substances like diethylene glycol (DEG) or ethylene glycol (EG), which are known to cause kidney injuries.

However, Tamil Nadu authorities have taken swift action after a batch of 'Coldrif' cough syrup was found to be adulterated with 48.6% DEG, a toxic industrial solvent.

Following reports of child deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu's Drugs Control Department inspected the manufacturing facility of Sresan Pharmaceuticals in Kancheepuram district.

The inspection revealed 39 critical and 325 major violations of drug manufacturing standards. Subsequent tests confirmed that Coldrif syrup batch SR-13 was adulterated with DEG beyond permissible limits.

As a result, Tamil Nadu issued a stop-production order and served a show-cause notice to the manufacturer. The sale of the syrup was banned across the state from October 1, 2025.

The Union Health Ministry has issued an advisory to all states and Union Territories, directing that cough and cold medications should not be prescribed to children under the age of two years. This measure aims to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of young children.

The swift action by Tamil Nadu authorities has been praised as a landmark case of regulatory diligence. The state's proactive measures have prompted other regions to review their drug safety protocols and ensure stricter compliance with manufacturing standards.

Investigations are ongoing, and authorities have assured the public that all necessary steps will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.