What Is Diethylene Glycol, Highly Toxic Chemical Found In ‘Coldrif’ Syrup In Tamil Nadu?

Last Updated:October 04, 2025, 17:07 IST

Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu banned the sale of ‘Coldrif’ cough syrup after it was linked to the deaths of 11 children. Lab reports confirmed it contained diethylene glycol.

Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharma is one of the two firms under scrutiny after the death of around 11 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan allegedly linked to cough syrup consumption.

The Tamil Nadu government on Friday banned the sale of the ‘Coldrif’ cough syrup and ordered its removal from all markets after it was linked to the deaths of 11 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Lab tests found the syrup contained diethylene glycol (DEG), a deadly chemical that can cause kidney failure and death.

The sale was prohibited across the state with effect from October 1, as inspections were conducted at the Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharma’s manufacturing facility in Sunguvarchathram. The Union Health Ministry on Friday issued an advisory to all States and Union Territories, directing that cough and cold medications should not be prescribed to children under the age of 2 years.

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) collected ‘Coldrif’ samples from the Tamil Nadu facility, which revealed DEG above permissible limits. Madhya Pradesh has also banned the use of Coldrif syrup in the state.

What Is Diethylene Glycol?

Diethylene Glycol (DEG) or Ethylene Glycol (EG) is a highly toxic chemical that is used as an industrial solvent in paints, dyes, resins and plastics. It is also used in antifreeze and brake fluids. It is not meant for use in medicines.

This chemical is highly toxic for human consumption, which can lead to kidney failure, liver failure, neurological conditions and death. There have been several fatal poisonings worldwide due to DEG being used in pharmaceuticals or food products, such as in Gambia, where 70 children died in 2022.

Children are particularly vulnerable, as even tiny amounts of DEG can be fatal for their health. DEG is a colourless, syrupy liquid, making it easy to mistake for legitimate excipients if proper lab testing is not conducted.

The World Health Organisation has issued six global medical product alerts for over-the-counter medicines contaminated with DEG/EG, estimating over 300 child deaths worldwide since 2022.

It developed a two-level approach to detect DEG/EG, in which suspicious samples are first screened for non-compliance using a semi-quantitative thin-layer chromatography (TLC) method. Suspected contaminations are then confirmed by gas chromatography at collaborating laboratories or regional centres.

What Is Happening Now?

Now, Tamil Nadu’s Drugs Control Department has issued a public notice stating: “A public notice has been issued by the Drugs Control Department, Tamil Nadu, warning against the purchase, sale, and consumption of ‘Coldrif Syrup’ (Paracetamol, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride, Chlorpheniramine Maleate Syrup), Batch No. SR-13, manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceutical Manufacturer, following lab reports of adulteration with diethylene glycol, a toxic substance.”

The department explicitly prohibited the use of this batch, warning that “adulteration with diethylene glycol is highly dangerous, as this chemical is toxic and can cause severe poisoning, including kidney failure and death.”

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also announced a complete ban on the sale of ‘Coldrif’ cough syrup across the state following the deaths of children in Chhindwara allegedly linked to the medicine. “Following the death of the children, an action was underway at the local level. A team has also been constituted at the state level to investigate this matter further. Those found guilty will not be spared under any circumstances,” Yadav said.

The case took a political turn as senior Congress leader Kamal Nath blamed mixing of ‘brake oil solvent’ in cough syrups for the deaths of nine children with a suspected kidney ailment in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district since September 7. Two infant deaths were reported in Rajasthan.

About the Author

Aveek Banerjee

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international…Read More

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international… Read More

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