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The contaminated batch was manufactured in May 2025 and set to expire in April 2027 and the department has explicitly prohibited the use of the batch
The alert follows investigations into the deaths of around 11 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, which were initially suspected to be linked to the consumption of the same cough syrup. (AI-Generated Image)
The Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Department has issued a public alert warning against the use of Coldrif Syrup manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceutical, after laboratory tests confirmed that the product was adulterated with diethylene glycol (DEG)—a highly toxic chemical known to cause kidney failure and death.
The alert follows investigations into the deaths of around 11 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, which were initially suspected to be linked to the consumption of the same cough syrup.
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On October 4, the Union health ministry also confirmed that samples of Coldrif Syrup collected from the manufacturer’s premises in Tamil Nadu contained DEG beyond permissible limits.
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 contaminated batch was manufactured in May 2025 and set to expire in April 2027.
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.”
Retailers, distributors, hospitals, and pharmacies across Tamil Nadu have been directed to remove the batch from stock immediately and report if the product was supplied or sold. Consumers have been advised to check the batch number SR-13 and avoid usage, while those possessing it are instructed to submit the product for proper disposal.
Advisory to Healthcare Providers
The Tamil Nadu notice also urges healthcare providers to be on alert for DEG poisoning.
“Healthcare providers are urged to monitor for symptoms of diethylene glycol poisoning in patients who may have consumed the affected syrup. Adverse reactions or suspected cases must be promptly reported to the Drugs Control Department for further investigation.”
The department added that investigations at Sresan Pharma’s facility are ongoing, and stop-production orders have already been issued. Surveillance has been intensified across medical shops and hospitals to prevent further distribution.
“If further official press releases or consumer guidance are required, contacting the Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Department is recommended,” the notice said.
Central Action Underway
The health ministry also announced that Risk-Based Inspections were launched on October 3 at the manufacturing facilities of all 19 drugs sampled across six states.
“This will help find out the gaps leading to quality failure of drug samples and suggest process improvements to avoid such incidences in future,” the ministry said.
A multi-disciplinary team comprising experts from NIV, ICMR, NEERI, CDSCO, and AIIMS Nagpur continues to analyse the clinical and environmental samples related to the deaths reported in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh.
About the Author
Himani Chandna, Senior Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India’s COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particular…Read More
Himani Chandna, Senior Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India’s COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particular… Read More
October 04, 2025, 15:54 IST
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