“Cough Syrup Scandal”: 19 Children Dead, States Crack Down — Ban in Maharashtra, Kerala & Tamil Nadu; Probe Ordered in UP and Uttarakhand

National Desk: The nationwide alarm over toxic cough syrup has deepened after multiple child deaths were reported in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. In response, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu have imposed a complete ban on the cough syrup, while Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand have ordered state-level investigations and sample collection drives.

All attention is now focused on M/s Sresan Pharmaceutical, a Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu)-based company that manufactured the lethal Coldrif Cough Syrup (Batch No. SR-13). Initial lab reports have detected Diethylene Glycol (DEG) — a highly toxic chemical compound known to cause kidney failure and multi-organ damage.

19 Deaths So Far — Crisis Spreads Across 4 States

Authorities have confirmed 16 child deaths in Madhya Pradesh and 3 in Rajasthan. In all cases, children were suffering from common cold and cough, for which local clinics or pharmacies prescribed Coldrif Syrup.

After consuming the syrup, their condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to kidney failure and ultimately death.

Maharashtra Imposes Immediate Ban, Strict Action Against Manufacturers

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Sunday banned the sale, distribution, and use of Coldrif Syrup (Batch SR-13) with immediate effect. All medical stores and hospitals have been instructed to return or destroy existing stock, and to inform drug control authorities if the syrup is found in their possession.

Samples have been sent to government laboratories for testing. Officials stated that depending on the lab results, an FIR could be filed, and the company’s manufacturing license may be revoked.

UP Launches Sampling and Seizure Drive

The Uttar Pradesh Drugs Department has issued strict directives to all district drug inspectors.

Key directives include:

• Collect Coldrif Syrup (Batch SR-13) samples from all pharma companies, hospitals, and pharmacies.
• Send the samples to the state laboratory in Lucknow for chemical testing.
• Avoid duplicate sampling of the same batch by using a Google Sheet-based tracking system.
• Collect and test Propylene Glycol (the base chemical used in syrup) to assess contamination levels.

The FSDA (Food Safety and Drug Administration) has made it clear that if Coldrif Syrup or any other product from Sresan Pharma is found anywhere in the state, it will be immediately seized. The UP Medical Supplies Corporation has also been instructed to check its warehouses and halt any stock movement of the product.

Uttarakhand Issues Strict Advisory — “No Cough Syrup for Children Under 5”

Uttarakhand Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar has directed all district magistrates and chief medical officers to avoid giving any cough or cold syrups to children below two years, and to administer such medicines to those under five only under expert medical supervision.

He added that “in most cases, children’s cough and cold resolve naturally — unnecessary use of syrups can be fatal.” All doctors and pharmacists have been asked to follow central health guidelines strictly.

Kerala and Telangana on High Alert

The Kerala Drugs Control Department has ordered pharmacies to remove Coldrif Syrup from shelves immediately, enforcing a statewide ban.

Meanwhile, the Telangana Drugs Control Administration has issued a “Public Alert – Stop Use Notice” for Batch SR-13, warning that the syrup is contaminated with Diethylene Glycol (DEG) — a poisonous chemical that can cause severe neurological and renal damage.

This nationwide crackdown comes amid rising concern over pharmaceutical safety and the recurring appearance of toxic cough syrups linked to child deaths — a pattern that has previously triggered international outrage and tighter drug regulations.