**Tamil Nadu Halts Production of Coldrif Syrup After Toxic Chemical Contamination Detected**
Chennai: In the wake of recent deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan linked to the consumption of contaminated cough syrup manufactured near Chennai, the Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Department has taken swift action by halting the production of Coldrif syrup.
The syrup, produced by Sresan Pharmaceutical Manufacturer in Kanchipuram, was found to contain Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a highly toxic chemical known to cause severe kidney damage and other serious health issues. This discovery came following a complaint lodged by the Madhya Pradesh Drugs Control Authority on October 1.
“This is the first instance in the country where the entire investigation—including inspection, sampling, analysis of the alleged drug, and issuance of a stop production order—was completed within two days from receipt of information,” said S Gurubharathi, Deputy Director of Drugs Control and Licensing cum Controlling Authority, Tamil Nadu, on Friday.
During the inspection, the department identified multiple violations of the Drugs Rules, 1945, especially concerning Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). Investigators found that the batch of Coldrif Syrup in question was produced using non-pharmacopoeial grade Propylene Glycol, which may have been contaminated with both DEG and Ethylene Glycol—chemicals known for their toxicity and harmful effects on human health.
All stocks of Coldrif Syrup (Batch No. SR-13) were seized from the manufacturing facility in Kanchipuram. In addition, samples of other syrups by the same manufacturer, including Respolite D, Respolite GL, Respolite ST, and Hepsandin Syrups, were sent for laboratory testing. The stocks of these products have been frozen to prevent further distribution.
The Tamil Nadu Drugs Testing Laboratory conducted urgent tests even during public holidays and confirmed the presence of DEG in the Coldrif Syrup. Alarmingly, the batch was found to contain 48.6% DEG—a dangerously high concentration posing significant risks to public health. Although Ethylene Glycol was not detected, the presence of DEG prompted the immediate issuance of a Stop Production Order against the manufacturer on October 3, 2025.
To curb further distribution, the Drugs Control Department has issued a statewide alert to freeze all remaining stocks of Coldrif Syrup at both retail and wholesale levels. Additionally, authorities in Odisha and Puducherry have been informed, as the manufacturer reportedly distributed the product interstate.
The Drugs Control Department continues to monitor the situation closely to safeguard public health and ensure compliance with manufacturing standards.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/tamil-nadu-halts-production-of-coldrif-syrup-after-child-deaths-in-mp-rajasthan
