Indian States Ban Cough Syrup After Child Deaths Linked to Toxic Contamination

At least three Indian states have banned a cough syrup brand after the deaths of several children were linked to the product, local authorities and media reports confirmed on Saturday.

Since late August, nine children under the age of five have died in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan after consuming the syrup, identified as Coldrif Cough Syrup, manufactured by Sresan Pharma in Tamil Nadu.

India’s Health Ministry said laboratory tests found the syrup contained diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic industrial solvent that can be fatal even in small amounts.

“The samples are found to contain DEG beyond the permissible limit,” the ministry said in a statement.

Following the discovery, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced a statewide ban on the sale of Coldrif Cough Syrup and other products produced by the same company. Authorities in Tamil Nadu and Kerala have also imposed similar bans, according to local media.

Cough syrups made in India have faced international scrutiny in recent years after several deadly poisoning incidents were reported globally — including the deaths of more than 70 children in The Gambia in 2022 linked to contaminated products.

Health officials have urged parents to discontinue use of the banned syrup immediately as investigations continue into the company’s manufacturing practices and distribution network.