Tests Confirm Poison in Syrup, MP Bans Coldrif
In Chhindwara district, Madhya Pradesh, seven out of nine children died after allegedly consuming a cough syrup called Coldrif. The state government acted swiftly after laboratory tests confirmed that the syrup contained diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic industrial chemical.
Government Action
In response, the Madhya Pradesh government has banned the sale, distribution, and use of Coldrif. It has also ordered seizure of existing stocks and halted manufacture of other products from the same company. The Tamil Nadu Drug Control Directorate had earlier reported the presence of DEG at levels above permissible limits in samples from the implicated batch.
Possible Causes and Inquiry
DEG is known to cause acute kidney injury and has been linked to poisonings in other countries. Authorities are investigating all medical, environmental, and supply‐chain links. Samples from the medical stores and area hospitals have been collected for further testing. The Health Ministry corroborated that the tested samples exceeded safe limits of DEG.
Wider Concern
Earlier, similar child deaths were reported in Rajasthan and other states linked to suspected syrup contamination. The central government has issued guidelines against prescribing cough syrups to children under two and is reviewing pediatric medication safety norms.
