Raipur, The Chhattisgarh Health Department has immediately banned the sale and distribution of ‘Coldrif’ cough syrup across the state following its link to the tragic deaths of at least 13 children in neighbouring Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The syrup, manufactured by Srisan Pharma of Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, was officially found to be adulterated with a dangerously high concentration of diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic industrial chemical.
Even though pharmaceutical dealers confirmed that the cough syrup is not currently supplied in Chhattisgarh and the manufacturer has no warehouse in the state, the ban was imposed as a precautionary measure. The decision aims to prevent public confusion and panic sparked by viral social media posts and to ensure that no stock of the contaminated product enters the local market.
Laboratory analysis confirmed that the Coldrif syrup contained an alarming 48.6 per cent concentration of DEG, a chemical known to cause acute kidney failure. Following this report, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have already prohibited the sale of the product and all other medicines manufactured by Srisan Pharma.
The Union Health Ministry has initiated a multi-agency probe into the matter and issued an advisory to all states and Union Territories. The advisory strictly warns against prescribing or dispensing cough and cold medications to children below two years of age.