Delhi Bans Toxic Coldrif Cough Syrup After Child Deaths
Delhi's health authorities have launched a major crackdown on cough syrups following the deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh linked to toxic levels of diethylene glycol (DEG) in Coldrif syrup. The move comes as a blanket ban on the sale, distribution, and storage of Coldrif is likely to be imposed in Delhi, with over 20 teams inspecting drug stores to seize suspicious consignments.
The ban follows the discovery that Coldrif cough syrup, produced by Sresan Pharmaceuticals in Tamil Nadu, contained dangerously high levels of DEG, with tests revealing 46.28% in the syrup, far exceeding the permissible limit of 0.1%. The syrup, priced between Rs 50 and Rs 60 for a 100 ml bottle, was sold daily in large quantities in Delhi, with estimates suggesting around 6,000 to 7,000 bottles were sold daily.
Authorities have directed pharmaceutical stockists to submit inventories of Coldrif and similar cough syrups. More than 11 pharmaceutical companies in Delhi manufacture Coldrif and similar formulations, and manufacturers and retailers have been ordered to furnish records to respective drug inspectors. Mandatory testing for DEG has been implemented for all cough syrup manufacturers operating in Delhi.
The Delhi government's swift action aims to prevent further tragedies. With the ban on Coldrif likely to be imposed, authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety of consumers. The investigation into the matter continues, with multiple states considering similar bans on the product.
