Delhi bans Coldrif cough syrup after child deaths linked to toxic chemical DEG; strict inspections ongoing, retailers must report stock, and parents warned against unprescribed use.

Since Coldrif cough syrup is thought to be harmful to youngsters, the Delhi government has banned it completely. Following the deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh, this decision was made. Retailers and wholesalers are required to submit information about their inventory. The government has issued a warning that those who give children syrup without a doctor’s prescription may face severe consequences.

In response to allegations of child fatalities in another state, the Delhi government has completely banned the sale, distribution, and storage of “Coldrif” and comparable cough syrups. The Delhi Drugs Control Department has started a massive citywide inspection campaign and issued an order requiring Diethylene Glycol (DEG) testing for all cough syrup manufacturers.

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Retailers and wholesalers are required to provide authorities with information on their current inventory within twenty-four hours.

The government has made it clear that the purpose of this swift action is to safeguard the public’s health and that poisonous syrups will never again be allowed to be sold.

Cause of the Ban

Following the deaths of fourteen children in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, this action was done. Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a very poisonous industrial chemical, was found to be present in a syrup produced by Srisain Pharmaceuticals of Tamil Nadu at a deadly 46.28 percent. The immediate ban was issued by Drugs Controller Sanjeev Kumar and Deputy Drugs Controller KR Chawla in response to the Bhopal lab findings.

The scope of the issue and the inspection drive

From October 6 to 10, a survey and seizure campaign will be conducted. To identify and remove any questionable cough syrups from the market, more than 20 teams made up of police officers, local government representatives, and drug inspectors are examining wholesale and retail pharmacies. The Chief Secretary and the Health Minister will receive a thorough report.

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The Delhi Drugs Control Department claims that:

• ‘Coldrif’ and related cough syrups are produced by 11 firms in Delhi.
• Every day, the city sold between 6,000 and 7,000 bottles (100 ml).
• The teams are currently looking for more than 100,000 bottles of these potentially tainted syrups that are presently in distribution and storage, according to officials.

Diethylene Glycol: What Is It?

DEG is a popular industrial chemical found in brake fluid and antifreeze. Although it is highly harmful to humans, it is occasionally used illegally as a cheap solvent in medications. Kidney failure, brain damage, and frequently death can result from ingestion. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that since 2022, DEG-contaminated syrups have been connected to the deaths of more than 300 children worldwide.

Official Parental Guidance and Advice

The following directives are part of a rigorous advisory given by the Delhi government:

• Products like “Coldrif” syrup ought to be taken off the market right away.
• Manufacturers are required to get a test report verifying that their products are DEG-free before releasing any syrup for sale.
• Within 24 hours, all wholesalers and retailers are required to give their respective drug inspectors stock information.

Additionally, the Drug Control Department has released important guidance for parents:

• Children should never be given syrup unless a doctor has prescribed it.
• Report ‘Coldrif’ syrup for sale right away to the police, the 1031 helpline, or a local drug inspector.