Madhya Pradesh Bans Coldrif Cough Syrup After Deaths of Nine Children

The Madhya Pradesh government has banned the sale and distribution of Coldrif cough syrup following the deaths of nine children in Chhindwara district, after laboratory tests confirmed the presence of dangerous levels of diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic chemical often linked to mass poisoning incidents.

Samples tested in Tamil Nadu revealed 48.6% DEG content, far exceeding permissible limits. The state drug controller declared the medicine “non-standard and defective” and ordered all stocks of Coldrif to be sealed. Health officials have also been instructed to collect and re-test fresh samples to prevent further risk.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav called the incident “extremely tragic” and assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible. He said that once the test reports were received, the government acted without delay, banning not just Coldrif but also other products from its manufacturer, Sresan Pharmaceutical, based in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.

The ban follows a wider crackdown as Tamil Nadu authorities had already prohibited the sale of Coldrif from October 1, citing safety concerns. Reports earlier this week linked the syrup to child fatalities not just in Madhya Pradesh but also in Rajasthan, intensifying nationwide scrutiny.

Drug inspectors across districts have been directed to monitor markets closely and ensure that no contaminated stock is available. Officials said investigations would also examine lapses in quality checks and supply chains.

The tragedy has raised urgent questions about drug regulation and pharmaceutical safety standards in India, particularly in medicines prescribed for children. With public outrage growing, central and state agencies are under pressure to establish accountability, strengthen testing systems, and prevent such incidents from recurring.