Indian health officials are investigating whether tainted cough syrup caused nine children's deaths in Madhya Pradesh state after tests revealed dangerous contamination levels. The Health Ministry confirmed on Saturday that Coldrif Cough Syrup samples from Sresan Pharma contained diethylene glycol exceeding safe limits. Tamil Nadu drug regulators detected the toxic industrial solvent at the manufacturer's Kanchipuram facility, but earlier tests of three samples proved clean.
Authorities launched inspections at 19 pharmaceutical companies across six states to assess quality controls and prevent future incidents. Diethylene glycol has caused fatal poisonings globally when improperly used in medications. India previously faced international criticism after the World Health Organization connected domestically made cough syrups to 70 child deaths in Gambia during 2022, though New Delhi contested those findings. Sresan Pharma has not responded to requests for comment.
Authorities launched inspections at 19 pharmaceutical companies across six states to assess quality controls and prevent future incidents. Diethylene glycol has caused fatal poisonings globally when improperly used in medications. India previously faced international criticism after the World Health Organization connected domestically made cough syrups to 70 child deaths in Gambia during 2022, though New Delhi contested those findings. Sresan Pharma has not responded to requests for comment.
