Coldrif cough syrup has been banned across several Indian states after tests revealed diethylene glycol contamination linked to multiple child deaths. Learn what happened, who’s responsible, and what parents should do next.
India is facing a heartbreaking public health emergency after several child deaths were linked to the consumption of Coldrif Cough Syrup, manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals.
Tests confirmed that the syrup contained diethylene glycol (DEG) a highly toxic chemical that can cause acute kidney failure and death.
What is Coldrif Cough Syrup?
Coldrif is a commonly sold over-the-counter cough syrup prescribed for colds, congestion, and throat irritation. However, recent laboratory tests revealed that some batches were contaminated with diethylene glycol, an industrial solvent used in products like paint and antifreeze not for human consumption.
The contamination was first discovered after multiple children in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, fell seriously ill following the use of the syrup.
How the Coldrif Case Unfolded
Batch Involved: SR-13 (Manufactured May 2025, Expiry April 2027)
Toxic Substance Detected: 48.6% Diethylene Glycol
Deaths Reported: 11 children (as of October 6, 2025)
Hospitals reported children showing symptoms of vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, and decreased urine output all signs of kidney damage caused by DEG poisoning.
State laboratories confirmed the contamination, leading to an immediate ban on Coldrif syrup in Madhya Pradesh.
Nationwide Ban and Investigation on Coldrif
Following the findings, health authorities in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Haryana also banned the sale and distribution of Coldrif syrup.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and state Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) have launched a nationwide probe into Sresan Pharmaceuticals for violating safety standards and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Officials have seized hundreds of syrup bottles, frozen existing stocks, and ordered a full recall of the affected batch.
Test Reports of Cold Rif and Findings
The Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Directorate confirmed that Coldrif syrup samples were “not of standard quality” and “adulterated.”
Investigators suspect that the manufacturer used industrial-grade raw materials, a dangerous practice that has caused similar tragedies in India and abroad.
This incident mirrors past disasters such as
The Jammu cough syrup deaths (2019)
The Gambia case (2022), where DEG-contaminated syrups from India were linked to over 60 child deaths.
Government and Health Department Response
Immediate Ban: Madhya Pradesh and other states have halted Coldrif sales.
Public Warning: Citizens are advised to check syrup batch numbers and avoid using Batch SR-13.
Sample Collection: State labs are testing Coldrif samples from across India.
Legal Action: Strict penalties and license suspension are expected against the manufacturer if violations are proven.
The Union Health Ministry has directed all state regulators to increase factory inspections and ensure that every pharmaceutical company complies with WHO-GMP standards.
Public Safety Advisory
Parents are urged to:
Stop using Coldrif syrup immediately, especially if it’s Batch SR-13.
Report side effects or suspicious symptoms to local health authorities.
Seek medical attention if a child shows signs of vomiting, tiredness, or reduced urination after taking the syrup.
Purchase medicines only from trusted pharmacies, and always check the batch number and expiry date.
Expert Opinion
Dr. Meenakshi Rao, a pediatric specialist from AIIMS Bhopal, said:
“What makes this tragedy painful is that it was preventable. Quality control failures in children’s medicines are unacceptable. Regulators must act faster and stronger.”
Coldrif Syrup's Broader Impact on India’s Pharma Industry
India’s pharmaceutical sector is one of the largest in the world, exporting medicines to over 200 countries. However, recurring incidents like the Coldrif contamination raise questions about safety oversight and ethical manufacturing practices.
Experts believe this event will push for:
Stricter enforcement of drug quality regulations
More frequent audits of small-scale manufacturers
Mandatory raw material testing before production
Conclusion
The Coldrif syrup incident is a painful reminder that medicine safety cannot be taken for granted.
While investigations continue, the tragedy has already shaken public confidence and highlighted the urgent need for accountability and reform in India’s drug regulation system.
For now, families are left with grief and a question no parent should ever have to ask:
“Can we still trust the medicine we give our children?”