Cough syrup linked to deaths of nine children banned

Michael Adesina

At least three Indian states have banned a cough syrup after it was linked to the deaths of nine children under the age of five.

Health officials said the children, from the states of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, died after consuming Coldrif Cough Syrup, which laboratory tests later found to be contaminated with a toxic substance.

India’s Health Ministry confirmed on Saturday that the syrup contained diethylene glycol (DEG)—a chemical commonly used in industrial products such as antifreeze and solvents. Even in small amounts, DEG can cause severe poisoning and death.

“The samples were found to contain diethylene glycol beyond the permissible limit,” the ministry said in a statement.

The syrup, produced by Sresan Pharma at a facility in Tamil Nadu, has now been pulled off the shelves in several states.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said his government had banned the sale of the cough syrup and other products made by the same company.

“The sale of this syrup has been banned throughout Madhya Pradesh. Other products from the same manufacturer are also being withdrawn,” he said.

Authorities in Tamil Nadu and Kerala have also banned the product, according to local media reports.

Indian-made cough syrups have faced global scrutiny in recent years after similar incidents abroad. In 2022, more than 70 children in The Gambia died after consuming contaminated cough syrup believed to have been produced in India.