**Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Halts Production of Coldrif Syrup Following Detection of Toxic Chemicals**
*Chennai:* In the wake of recent tragic 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 complications.
This decisive move followed a complaint received from the Madhya Pradesh Drugs Control Authority on October 1, 2025. “This is the first instance in the country where the entire investigation—including inspection, sampling, drug analysis, and issuance of a stop production order—was completed within two days of receiving the information,” said S Gurubharathi, Deputy Director of Drugs Control and Licensing cum Controlling Authority, Tamil Nadu, on Friday.
Upon inspection, the department uncovered multiple violations of the Drugs Rules, 1945, particularly concerning Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). It was revealed that the batch of Coldrif Syrup under scrutiny was manufactured using non-pharmacopoeial grade Propylene Glycol, which may have been contaminated with DEG and Ethylene Glycol—both known toxins harmful to human health.
All stocks of Coldrif Syrup (Batch No. SR-13) at the manufacturing facility in Kancheepuram have been seized. Furthermore, samples of other syrups produced by the same manufacturer—including Respolite D, Respolite GL, Respolite ST, and Hepsandin Syrups—have been sent for laboratory testing. Stocks of these products have been frozen to prevent further distribution.
The Tamil Nadu Drugs Testing Laboratory conducted urgent testing, even during public holidays, confirming the presence of DEG in the Coldrif Syrup. The batch was found to contain a dangerously high level of 48.6% DEG, posing a significant risk 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 prevent further risk to consumers, the Drugs Control Department has issued a statewide alert to freeze all remaining stocks of Coldrif Syrup at both retail and wholesale levels. Authorities in Odisha and Puducherry have also been informed due to reports of interstate distribution from the manufacturer.
The Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Department continues to monitor the situation closely and urges the public and healthcare providers to report any adverse reactions linked to the use of these syrups immediately.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/tamil-nadu-halts-production-of-coldrif-syrup-after-child-deaths-in-mp-rajasthan
